Gov. Bob McDonnell today invited Virginia residents to attend the public meetings to be held across the state this fall so they can learn more about transportation projects funded in the current Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and to provide comments for transportation improvements in the upcoming SYIP for fiscal years 2015-2020.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approves a SYIP for road, rail, and transit projects each June.
Speaking about the public meetings, McDonnell said, “For the first time in 27 years, transportation in Virginia received a major boost, thanks to bipartisan cooperation in the General Assembly that allowed passage of legislation to provide much-needed, long-term sustainable funding for roads, bridges, and transit. Now I am looking to Virginians to provide their input on potential projects that will improve transportation.”
The meetings begin Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the state’s nine transportation districts. See list below for dates and locations.
CTB Chairman and Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton added, “The new transportation investment will support better roads and stimulate job and economic growth as well. The state’s transportation program is $17.6 billion for the next six years, including $15.7 billion for highway, rail and public transportation projects in the current SYIP and $1.9 billion in new funding sources for Northern Virginia. Much of the funding is going toward rehabilitating aging highways and bridges, improving safety and operations as well as increasing capacity to reduce congestion. Already, VDOT has advertised more than $2 billion in projects during this year alone.”
“The new transportation funding will help each motorist in Virginia reach their destination quicker and more safely,” said Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Greg Whirley. “I am asking for your ideas, suggestions and input on how we can improve roads and bridges. You can do this by meeting with your regional transportation representatives during these fall planning meetings.”
“Due to the historic transportation funding bill signed into law this year, the Commonwealth continues to provide for and grow its regional intercity passenger rail service and provide for more public transportation choices, while reducing the amount of single-occupancy vehicles and maximizing the existing transportation infrastructure,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Projects include interstate, road, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation initiatives. They emphasize bridge and pavement projects along with those to improve safety and reduce congestion throughout the transportation network. All SYIP projects eligible for federal funding will be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which documents how Virginia will obligate its federal money.
Representatives from the CTB, VDOT, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and planning district commissions (PDCs) will be at the meetings to discuss their respective projects and programs.
If you cannot attend, information about the meeting will be available Oct. 22 at www.virginiadot.org/
Meeting schedule at each location*:
- · 6 p.m.-7 p.m. – Open house displays and general discussion
- · 7 p.m. – Moderated public meeting
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
723 Woodlake Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Northside High School
6758 Northside High School Road
Roanoke, VA 24019
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
VDOT Central Office Auditorium
1221 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
University of Mary Washington
Stafford Campus – University Hall (North Building)
125 University Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Holiday Inn Staunton
Conference Center
152 Fairway Lane
Staunton, VA 24401
Monday, November 18, 2013
Germanna Community College
Daniel Technology Center
18121 Technology Drive
Culpeper, VA 22701
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Holiday Inn and Suites
Bristol Convention Center
3005 Linden Drive
Bristol, VA 24202
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Kirkley Hotel and Conference Center
2900 Candler’s Mountain Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
* You can find the localities that make up each district at www.virginiadot.org or by calling 800-367-7623.
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