Posted: December 8, 2009

Donald Z. Goldberg
President
D.D. Jones Transfer and Warehouse Co. Inc.

Donald Goldberg has been president of D.D. Jones Transfer and Warehouse Co. Inc., a major trucking and distribution company based in Chesapeake that serves the shipping industry, since 2006. Prior to that he was director of development for the city of Chesapeake for more than 12 years. He previously worked with the Greater Hampton Roads Organization, starting in 1983, which later became Forward Hampton Roads and eventually grew into what is now the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. In 1988, he was the group's acting president as it searched for a new president. His work in economic development resulted in several major companies locating in the Hampton Roads area and he continues to provide consulting services. He also has worked in banking and insurance and as a teacher and coach. He is a graduate of Elon University. 

What is the priority transportation project for Hampton Roads?

This is very difficult for me, but I believe the Midtown Tunnel between Portsmouth and Norfolk and the Martin Luther King Freeway to I-264. Here's my reasoning: First it is stated that this tunnel traffic is the busiest, carrying the most traffic in all of the Hampton Roads. Second, it is a major business corridor for the Port of Virginia. Third, the tunnel connects to our major medical facilities, one of our busiest areas. Fourth, I believe it would help with the issues that occur at our Downtown Tunnel.

Other areas of need include Highway 460 to I-295; I-64 between Bowers Hill and High Bridge on I-64, just west of Greenbrier; I-64 from Newport News to I-295; Dominion 17 Highway Bridge; the Southeastern Expressway from Virginia Beach through Southern Chesapeake to Bowers Hill; the Third Crossing from Norfolk to the Monitor-Merrimac; maintenance on all major road sectors in Hampton Roads (Military Highway, Virginia Beach Boulevard, Mercury Boulevard, etc.); Route 58 from Suffolk to Emporia and I-95; the high speed rail project from the Richmond-Petersburg area to South Hampton Roads; Kings Highway Bridge, the Jordan Bridge and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. 

How should it be funded?

1. Certainly trim the fat if any can be found in Richmond.

2. Tolls can be placed on projects, and tolls could be adjusted as needed as to rush-hour costs.

3. Increase the gas fuel tax (This would take courage from our governing body.)

4. Make Virginia eligible for federal highway funding.

5. Make VDOT do the job it is capable of doing.