RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Tamara Neale 804-786-6458

CO-010 March 5, 2004

VDOT COMMISSIONER REACHES DECISION ON I-81 PPTA PROPOSALS

VDOT will enter into negotiations with STAR Solutions

Statement from Transportation Commissioner Philip Shucet:

“After careful review of the I-81 PPTA advisory panel’s recommendation and all supporting documents, I am directing VDOT to enter into negotiations with STAR Solutions as the potential operator under the Public Private Transportation Act of 1995, as amended, for improvements to the Interstate 81 Corridor in Virginia. The conditions included in the recommendation will be taken under advisement during the negotiation process.”

“This approval in no way preempts the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA), requiring the evaluation of reasonable alternatives, as well as an analysis of potential social, environmental and economic impacts. NEPA serves as a basis for making informed decisions prior to proceeding with any construction activities.”

Negotiations between VDOT and STAR Solutions will take six to nine months. Should negotiations be successful, a comprehensive agreement would follow.

Background:
The advisory panel reviewing two detailed proposals to improve the Interstate 81 corridor in Virginia recommended to Shucet last month that he enter into negotiations with STAR Solutions for a comprehensive agreement. The STAR proposal is based on the separation of car and truck lanes along the I-81 corridor.

The STAR proposal would widen I-81 to four lanes in each direction, with the separation of truck and car lanes. The majority of the panel supported financing the project with tolls applied to both cars and trucks. The panel also strongly endorsed the need for a multi-state effort for rail improvements. .

The panel’s recommendation was based on the following conditions: outcome of the environmental review process, availability of federal funding, proper tolling structure to minimize truck traffic diversions to other state roadways, and phased construction that would address the most serious congestion and safety problems first.

For more information, go to www.VirginiaDOT.org. The I-81 Web page is located at: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/constSTAN-I81-overview.asp.