The Falmouth intersection is the scene of daily backups. FILE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Early look at transportation project funding

Date published: 4/17/2008

By KELLY HANNON

Despite dwindling state transportation dollars, plans to ease congestion at Falmouth intersection are moving ahead.

Construction of a $21.1 million single-diamond interchange where U.S. 1, Butler Road and Warrenton Road meet will be funded over the next six years, according to a draft state transportation budget, unveiled yesterday.

"This is great news not only for Stafford, but the Falmouth District and everyone in that area," said George Schwartz, chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors. "And while it won't be constructed overnight, this means we've finally got the funding to move the project forward."

Cord Sterling, a member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and a Stafford supervisor, attended the Lynchburg meeting where the draft Six-Year Improvement Program for 2009-2014 was presented.

"In very difficult financial times, with transportation funds dramatically reduced, we focused on completing highest priorities," Sterling said in an e-mail. "Not everything wanted is funded, but some important projects will move forward."

The state had already set aside money to design the improved Falmouth intersection, but there was not enough to start construction.

Last summer, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer and the Commonwealth Transportation Board met in Fredericksburg.

The group toured the area in a trolley, witnessing the long wait for motorists at the notorious Falmouth intersection.

Other stops included State Route 3 and the Massaponax area of Spotsylvania.

The trip apparently had an impact.

The draft budget also contains money for the $30.4 million second phase of the Spotsylvania Courthouse Bypass.

Also, the budget maintained nearly $30 million to widen State Route 3 in Spotsylvania from Chewning Lane and Rutherford Drive west to Gordon Road.

Mary Lee Carter of Spotsylvania, the Fredericksburg District member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, worried the region could suffer in a tough budget year.

"I'm delighted that we are going to receive substantial improvements in our area," Carter said yesterday from the Lynchburg meeting. "It's not as grave as I thought it was going to be."

The Virginia Department of Taxation predicts motor vehicle sales will raise less money than expected in fiscal years 2009-2014.

Other sources of transportation funding will also bring in less revenue: vehicle license fees, retail sales and recordation taxes.

This means the state has $19.3 billion to spend over the next six years on transportation, versus the expected $20.4 billion, a drop of $1.1 billion.

The planned widening of U.S. 17 in Stafford from Interstate 95 to Stafford Lakes Parkway received around $17 million in new funding over six years, Sterling said. But the project needs another $15.9 million to be built.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board will hold public meetings around the state to gather comments on the draft budget.

Members will vote on the final budget in June.

No meetings are scheduled in the Fredericksburg area, but two are within driving distance, one in Richmond next week, and another in Northern Virginia in May.

Kelly Hannon: 540/374-5436
Email: khannon@freelancestar.com

View the draft transportation budget for 2009-2014 interstate and primary projects online at virginiadot.org. Click on "Six-Year Improvement Program." PUBLIC MEETINGS Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. VDOT Central Office Auditorium, 1221 E. Broad St., Richmond, Va. Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Center Forum Area, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va.

Date published: 4/17/2008

Most recent reader comments: