Manassas Journal Messenger | Transportation issues discussed at luncheon
In a 2005 survey conducted by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, 62 percent of those responding cited transportation as the most critical issue facing the region.
Also, 52 percent said that travel time to and from work had increased in a single year.
Anyone interested can find out what the Virginia Department of Transportation plans to do about these and other transportation problems at the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce’s networking luncheon set for Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Best Western Battlefield Inn, 10820 Balls Ford Road, Manassas.
The featured speaker will be Pierce R. Homer, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. Homer was reappointed to the position by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, having also served under former Gov. Mark Warner.
As secretary, Homer oversees management and budgeting for the Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicles, Aviation, and Rail and Public Transportation as well as for the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board and the Virginia Port Authority.
He also serves as chairman of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Homer served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation with functional oversight of VDOT, private partnership programs, and technology investments.
As Deputy Secretary, he worked with the transportation agencies to develop and implement uniform cost and revenue estimating, debt management and accountability measures.
Before joining the office of Secretary of Transportation, Homer spent 15 years with the Prince William County government in several senior management positions, including Deputy County Executive with direct oversight of county agencies.
The cost to members to attend is $25 prepaid or $30 at the door or billed. Non-members pay $35. To make a reservation, call Anita Duecaster at (703) 368-6600, Ext. 13.
Other chamber events for the month include the tradeshow Connections Etc. 2006 on Oct. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center and a Brown Bag Seminar today at noon with the theme “Fair Hiring and Firing: Learn about Employment Documentation.”