VDOT finalizes revised 6-year transportation plan, after $2 billion in cuts

RICHMOND – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) today approved an $8.9 billion Fiscal Years 2009-2014 Six-Year Improvement Program for public transportation, rail and highway projects and the revised Fiscal Year 2009 annual budgets. The program was approved during a special meeting held today.

The rare mid-year revision reflects significant reductions stemming from a $2.6 billion state and federal funding shortfall over the next six years. The approved program commits $6.0 billion for highway construction and $2.9 billion for public transportation and rail over the next six years.

A slowing economy, shrinking revenues and increased maintenance costs impacted 808 highway program projects statewide, resulting in a $2 billion reduction in the highway construction program. Lists of projects delayed or removed from the program are posted on the Virginia Department of Transportation Web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/syp-default.asp.

“As the economy shrinks, so do our transportation revenues and our ability to invest in our future,” said Secretary of Transportation Pierce R. Homer. “We are hopeful that the economic recovery act before Congress can help to offset some of these difficult and painful choices.”

While highway funds continue to decrease, the Fiscal Years 2009-2014 program reinforces the CTB’s commitment to rail, transit and highway maintenance. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will now allocate $2.9 billion to Virginia’s rail and transit operators for service improvements that will support better transportation choices for the traveling public.

“The demand for rail and transit services continues to grow in Virginia,” said Charles M. Badger, DRPT acting director. “The funding approved for these program areas will help ensure that Virginians have viable transportation options now and in the future.”

VDOT will again cut back its construction program in order to meet state law that requires maintenance of existing roadways as priorities. VDOT estimates that it needs more than $1 billion to stabilize deteriorating pavements on its 58,000-mile highway network and has 1,730 structurally deficient bridges.

“The serious funding constraints are a stark reality that requires our agency to aggressively shift our focus,” said David S. Ekern, VDOT’s commissioner. “In the coming months and years, VDOT will change our role from building roads to addressing growing maintenance needs and emergency response efforts.”

Localities will also feel the impact of the reduced funding. All available highway revenues are committed to fund required maintenance activities, pay debt and fund projects already under way. Localities can no longer count on adequate state funding for road construction and maintenance.

To learn more, and to view the Fiscal Years 2009-2014 Six-Year Improvement Program materials, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/syp-default.asp.