STAR Solutions Officially Ends Participation in All Future Work in the I-81 Corridor!

Local Governments Support Rail Development
Along Virginia's I-81 Corridor

Over 40 Virginia cities, towns, and counties and planning district commissions have passed resolutions supporting comprehensive rail approaches as part of any future transportation upgrades in the Virginia I-81 corridor.

Local governments supporting rail include: (click on links to download resolutions)

Reasonable Solutions for I-81

One of our partner organizations, the Shenandoah Valley Network created a six-point plan called "Reasonable Solutions for I-81". Many government organizations in the Shenandoah Valley voted unanimously to adopt the Reasonable Solutions (see list at bottom of page).

Reasonable Solutions for I-81: A Six-Point Plan for the Future

The Shenandoah Valley Network is encouraging Local officials and organizations to adopt the following Reasonable Solutions Resolution.WHEREAS, there is a need to address safety issues and congestion problems on portions of I-81 throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, an eight to 12 lane, tolled truck lane project has been proposed and is under review by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT); and

WHEREAS, elected officials both state and local, business groups and citizens organizations throughout the I-81 corridor have called for an alternative plan that is less costly, more targeted to specific safety and congesting issues, and more effective at moving goods and people throughout the corridor;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the undersigned hereby supports Reasonable Solutions for I-81:

A Six Point Plan for the Future, as outlined below. We call on federal, state and local governments to work cooperatively toward achieving these goals:

1) Complete spot improvements to I-81, such as climbing lanes and redesigned exits, which will improve safety and relieve congestion. Data should support the need and type of each improvement, many of which are identified in earlier VDOT studies.

2) Use the highway's median for improvements to limit the encroachment of the road on private property and to avoid further impacts on adjacent landowners, communities, farmland, battlefields and tourism.

3) Significantly step up law enforcement to improve safety.

4) Incorporate meaningful transit options for both urban and rural areas in road improvement plans. Coordinate with cities, local governments, major employers and universities.

5) Implement the rail component of a balanced transportation system to increase options for freight capacity, maintain economic competitiveness and avoid air quality and congestion problems as road use grows.

6) Provide funding for land acquisition to mitigate impacts of I-81 on cultural resources in the corridor, most notably battlefields.

Governmental organizations that voted unanimously to adopt Reasonable Solutions:

* Roanoke City Council
* Town of Front Royal
* Albemarle County Board of Supervisors
* Rockingham County
* Augusta County
* Shenandoah County

See a comprehensive list of organizations (including non-governmental) that voted to adopt "Reasonable Solutions" on Shenandoah Valley Network's website.

NEXT MEETING:
June 7th at 10am
Salem, VA