I am writing in regards to HB 88 on behalf of the Town of Ivor. It is my understanding that there is opposition to the town’s request that we be added to a list of other small towns that are exempted from the police department requirement. We initially asked for this exemption due to the fact that a precedent had already been set for approval, as evidenced by the eight other towns being exempted from this requirement. The Town of Ivor is just under 1.1 square miles in area and just over 300 in population. A portion of this area is along Route 460, which obviously is irrelevant to this request. Therefore, the area which we would like to designate for this usage is less than one square mile in area. The speed limit for this area is already 25 MPH and would stay as that. In our preliminary discussions on this matter, council has indicated the willingness to establish a permit system, that will only be available to town residents. Additionally, we are willing to limit use to the “side streets” of town. This will specifically disallow usage on Rt. 460, the very outer limits of town that have a 35 MPH speed limit, as well as on Main Street, where the speed limit is still 25 MPH, but also which is our only street with any measurable amount of traffic. Delegate Wachsmann has been in contact with our Sheriff, Josh Wyche, and he also has not issued an opposition to our request. The health and safety of my residents is my single highest priority as mayor. I would not be bringing this request before you if I were not confident that we would abide by the rules already set forth by the state and that this would not pose a danger to anyone. I appreciate your consideration of my comments and the town’s request. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there are any further questions or concerns.

Virginia Loggers Association is a trade association (501 C 6) made up of 345 businesses whose majority depend upon commercial hauling to complete its important work. VLA supports HB 553 and all help the VA General Assembly can provide to improve the pool of qualified commercial drivers. Qualified commercial truck drivers are in short supply. This is well known fact across the US. Virginia's forest products industry requires the essential forest harvesters and haulers to move the harvested trees, logs, chips, and other raw materials from private forest lots to the wood mills of first processing. The condition of many VLA businesses is the view of many trailers setting idle because of a lack of eligible drivers. VLA businesses hire commercial drivers who want to return home each night and only remain close to their homes. Many older drivers fill these positions but may also be dealing with medical issues negatively impacting their ability to retain CDLs. Younger drivers are not entering the market place in forest products fast enough. Forest products and other similar industries must carry essential products via commercial trucks. The shortage of drivers is causing problems with our suppliers of raw forest materials. VLA seeks the assistance from state and federal government to recognize the need and streamline processes to help increase the number of qualified commercial drivers. Ron Jenkins, VLA Executive Director

Transportation Subcommittee, I am writing to indicate my support for HB632 which is intended to reduce excessive noise in car exhaust systems. This issue is significant and widespread in the Richmond city area. Many cars that drive through residential areas have extremely loud exhaust systems or no exhaust systems whatsoever, and residents' quality of life is negatively impacted as a result. For example, excessive loud exhaust startles and distracts other drivers on the road and is generally a nuisance. Solving this problem would be very popular with Virginians. I would like to recommend that this bill also include a mechanism for enforcement by local law enforcement officers. Members of the general public cannot address this issue or confront an offender and so it must be left to a police officer to resolve. In addition, I would like to recommend that these excessive noise requirements for exhaust systems should also apply to motorcycles. Thank you for your consideration of my comments and support of this important issue. D. Wright Richmond, Virginia February 2, 2022

There has been an increase in noise and pollution in our community from vehicles with loud exhaust systems traveling the Hull Street Corridor between Belt Blvd and Broad Rock RD. and through my neighborhood via E 37th Street to Midlothian Tpk. An increase number of tow trucks also contribute to the noise. Sounds like drag races at night.

Maybe I’m not the target market for absurdly loud exhaust mods, or maybe I’m ignorant due to always having a working muffler, but my Lord there’s no good reason for driving such a loud car. It disturbs the people who live here. It disturbs the animals who live here. And it makes my old house rattle. People need to stop making our neighborhood their test run for their modified downpipes. Thanks!