Key committee signs off on McDonnell transportation plan

A key Senate committee signed off on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation plan Tuesday, a major milestone for the governor and his efforts to pump $4 billion into the state’s transportation system over the next three years.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the plan, which calls for issuing about $3 billion in bonds for roads projects, clearing the way for the measure to move to the floor in both the Republican House and the Democratic Senate. The House Appropriations Committee signed off on the omnibus bill Monday.