VA SB716

Authorizes the Commissioner of Highways to enter into five-year agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation under 23 U.S.C. §§ 326 and 327 to assume federal responsibilities for categorical exclusions and the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Waives Virginia's Eleventh Amendment immunity from civil suit in federal court specifically for lawsuits related to responsibilities assumed under these federal agreements, subject to federal court jurisdiction

Limits the immunity waiver to situations where an active agreement exists and the lawsuit arises from discharge of assumed federal responsibilities

Requires the Department of Transportation to update its NEPA Program Manual as needed, with proposed revisions posted for 30 days of public comment at least 45 days before taking effect

Expires five years after the first agreement is executed unless the General Assembly reenacts the authorization for subsequent five-year terms