McDonnell rolls out more support for transportation plan

Nine business and transportation groups have come out in support of Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to spend $3.3 billion on state roads, much of it in borrowed funds.

The governor's office released the new statements of support a day after he made a pitch for the plan a major part of his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday. McDonnell says this is a good time to borrow money for roads because interest rates are historically low and construction companies are willing to do work cheaply. Much of the debt would come from accelerating bond issues already approved by the General Assembly.

McDonnell (R) is set to formally unveil his transportation package Friday.

According to a release from McDonnell's office, groups newly endorsing the idea include:
Precast Concrete Association of Virginia; Dulles Area Transportation Association; Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce; Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce;
Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce; Committee for Dulles; Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce; Hampton Roads Partnership; Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this week, the Northern Virginia Technology Council also signed on to the plan.