A working draft of Virginia's program to fund transportation projects over the next six years was presented today to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). The draft Six-Year Improvement Program allocates an estimated $7.2 billion for nearly 1,700 transportation projects--including highway construction, rail and public transit--over the next six years, beginning July 1, 2004. The draft program is holding steady compared with the program approved last year, but it subject to change depending on what happens with the state budget.
To facilitate the planning process, state law requires that the draft transportation program be based on the most recent official revenue estimate. Once the General Assembly adopts a budget, the transportation program will be updated to reflect necessary changes.
"This draft is a good working document for the Commonwealth Transportation Board," said Transportation Secretary Whitt Clement. "I hope, however, that the inability of the House and Senate to resolve their differences won't further delay the Board in discharging its responsibility to adopt a realistic and credible transportation program based on strong fiscal discipline."
"In this draft program, the Virginia Department of Transportation will complete some of the state's biggest projects including the Springfield Interchange improvement project in Northern Virginia, the Pinner's Point project in Hampton Roads and the Madison Heights Bypass in Lynchburg," said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet. "We are getting projects finished by managing our business in a focused and disciplined matter."
