More citizens are voicing their dismay with the regional authority that was created to fund local road and rail projects in Hampton Roads.

More than 200 people showed up at a forum Wednesday night in Hampton, and another public hearing will be held Thursday night in Virginia Beach.

The Hampton Roads Transportation Authority could vote as early as Friday to approve an assortment of new taxes and fees to fund local road projects. The authority was created as part of a massive transportation package passed this year by the General Assembly.

Poquoson Mayor Gordon Helsel announced earlier this week that he was pulling out of the group. Last night, Helsel said he feels the powers given to the authority are unconstitutional and unfair. He got a standing ovation.

Both the Hampton Roads and northern Virginia regional authorities are part of a sweeping legal challenge filed in Richmond this week by anti-tax conservatives. The lawsuit asks that the entire plan be scrapped, including the controversial new fees on abusive drivers.