RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Laura Bullock 540-387-5493 saleminfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Tamara Neale cell (804) 840-2813

SAL-0622 April 27, 2006

VDOT AND FHWA EXTEND COMMENT PERIOD FOR I-81 TIER 1 DEIS

RICHMOND, April 26, 2006 – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration will extend the time frame for accepting public comments on the Interstate 81 Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Input will be accepted through May 29, 2006.

“Public comment is critical to the success of the I-81 corridor improvement study, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement has now been available for public review for 5 months,” said Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. “By extending the public comment period for an additional month, we hope to ensure that all interested citizens have the opportunity to express their views on the future of this important corridor.”

The I-81 Tier 1 DEIS is available on www.I-81.org. Free CD’s are available at VDOT district and residency offices along the I-81 corridor. Comments may be submitted online or by mail at the following address:

VDOT Project Manager Chris Collins
Environmental Division
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219