Though it was early on in the 2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly, local legislators were busy at work Monday preparing for a number of major issues that are expected to be discussed over the next few weeks. One of the recurrent themes was transportation funding in the commonwealth.

State Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) said transportation will continue to be a major issue that needs to be addressed during this session, especially in the Hampton Roads area, but that a proposal by Gov. Bob McDonnell isn’t necessarily the best way to solve the problem.

Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, in particular, need to solve transportation issues in order to remain viable places for military installations and businesses, he said, adding that the military has already put the state on notice that it needs to find some answers or the military will start leaving. In addition, he said, if goods can’t be moved in and out of ports, the businesses that rely on shipping will...