A coalition of business organizations called today for an increase in the sales tax and gasoline tax to raise at least $1 billion annually to build and maintain roads and other transportation facilities in Virginia.

In a letter to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and members of the General Assembly, Hugh Keogh, president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said "the needs are great and the time for action is at hand."

The chamber was joined by the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Virginia Association of Realtors, Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Education Association and other groups in calling for an increased sales tax of up to 1 percent.

-- Tyler Whitley