Rest Areas And Potholes
By Jason Kenney | Monday, February 8th, 2010 | PolicyThe two are a lot more related than you’d think.
One of Governor Bob McDonnell’s first acts upon taking office was to have VDOT begin the process of reopening Virginia’s rest areas that had been shuttered due to budget cuts:
Under the plan approved today, the Virginia Department of Transportation will use $3 million from its maintenance reserve fund to operate the facilities through the remainder of this fiscal year which ends June 30. Long-term funding for the rest areas will be identified as VDOT revises its maintenance budget this spring. The maximum anticipated cost for FY 2011 is $7.5 million.
As RVANews noted this weekend in an article about road maintenance in the Richmond area, VDOT assists Virginia counties in clearing and maintaining the roads. Those funds come straight from the “maintenance reserve fund” which now has a $3 million, well, pothole in it. And when much of the state is recovering from one of the worst snow storms in a long time, that pinch may be felt sonner rather than later.
But at least you won’t have to hold it.
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About the author
Jason Kenney has blogged at J’s Notes since 2001, is the director of RedStormPAC providing online fundraising for Republican candidates in Virginia, and co-founder of K6 Consulting. He is a graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University and resides in Richmond, Virginia.
Comments
5 Responses to "Rest Areas And Potholes"
Well yes, of course, to expect anything diffeent is to ignore the last decade in which the majority in the House of Delegates has presided over the dismantling of a once proud transportation system, now so riddled with decay and deterioration from deferred maintenance that it is unsafe in many areas. But yes, the Governor will reopen the rest stops so the Lt. Governor can make his economic development trips to impress firms that want to locate here. So what will he say to those who ask about the condition of our roads?
Maybe we will see John May proposal for a toll booth at rest stops, or an airport-type system were you are issued a toll ticket and are charged for time spent there. Not to mention the possibility of surcharges for amenities such as vending machines, water fountains and picnic tables.
u know Tim, in accord with ur comment about the rest stops, what would be better is if they lease out the space or even completely sale and privatize the restops or both. that way the current taxes can remain unchanged and additional income can come from it. a percentage of that income is (with proper managment) then put towards transportation (lock box of course) and the general fund. why waste time with vending machines when u can have some nice sit down restaurants or take out. don’t forget gas stations for refueling. i also thought of something as useful as a pharmacy so people that need to fill their meds (nontax of course) on the road. like all pharmacies, they have grocery as well so u can purchase perishables and necesities (ice, bread, sandwich meat- all taxable). laundromats, baths (like Breezewood, PA, my FAV place)and hotels of course. i think this idea would fly with both parties, it would just take being committed to do it. think about it, no new tax, no tolls, no fees or charges. Same tax percentage, and in adddition a tax cut to those business/franchise owners for expanding their business to the rest stops. again it would just take committment and teamwork to get it done and maintained. also, who says u can’t try it on a couple of rest stops first to test the waters, just to see how much revenue u can pull. It’s worth a shot.
t1ewis an experiment with one rest would seem worthwhile
fair enough, as long as they do it
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