Virginia’s economy would expand by $4.1 billion and support 56,798 additional jobs if 16 infrastructure mega-projects being considered by the Virginia Department of Transportation are completed, according to research conducted by Stephen S. Fuller, a George Mason University professor in the School of Public Policy and Director of the Center for Regional Analysis.
Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office is touting the report as part of its ongoing effort to build support for McDonnell’s $4 billion transportation package that has met with some criticism for its heavy reliance on the issuance of bonds.
“We have proposed the single largest investment in our transportation system in a generation,” McDonnell said in a statement Thursday. “This report recognizes that these types of investments not only impact our quality of life, reduce congestion and make Virginia more attractive to businesses looking to grow in the Commonwealth, but they have a direct impact on our economy and support job growth in these times when Virginia needs it most.”
The 16 proposed projects are:
- Route 495 HOT Lanes
- I-95/395 HOT Lanes
- Norfolk/Portsmouth Downtown /Midtown Tunnel
- Coalfields Expressway
- I-64 Richmond to Hampton Roads
- Hampton Roads Third Crossing
- Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
- Route 460 Corridor Improvements
- I-66 HOT Lanes
- Southeast Parkway & Greenbelt
- Route 17 – Dominion Boulevard
- Route 895 – Airport Connector
- Route 58
- Route 81
- Route 73
- Route 28
Story by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].
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