The plan that could bring a passenger rail service to Roanoke has cleared its first major legislative hurdles.
Both the House and Senate Finance Committees have voted to endorse Governor Bob McDonnell's five-year, 3 billion transportation plan.
McDonnell's proposal would eliminate the gas tax, raise the state sales tax, and impose a new100 dollar fee on alternative fuel vehicles.
The plan would help pay for an Amtrak-style passenger rail service in Roanoke as well as highway improvements throughout the state.
