On January 8, 2019, Governor Ralph Northam issued a press release announcing the administration and a group of bi-partisan legislators’ support for the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan, and a I-81 Improvement Fund that would raise $2.2 billion for improvements along the interstate corridor. Interstate tolls would raise revenues for the Improvement Fund. The proposal would establish limits on toll rates, and give automobiles and small trucks the ability to purchase an annual pass allowing unlimited use of I-81 for a fixed yearly fee. Revenues collected would only be used for improvements included in the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan that was adopted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board at its December meeting.
The CSDPC, HRMPO, and SAWMPO all passed resolutions of support for the Improvement Plan and a dedicated funding source for the critical improvements to I-81. The resolutions were sent to our full General Assembly delegation in December, 2018. The Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program legislation will be patroned by Senators Mark Obenshain and Bill Carrico in the Senate, and by Delegates Steve Landes and Terry Austin in the House.
Read the Full release here. The Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan can be found at www.va81corridor.org.