Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 26, 1993 TAG: 9306260103
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"The United States is looking for test beds," Tony Hobeika told the Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission Thursday. "The longer we wait, the opportunity to attract funds gets less and less,
Though its members spoke in favor of the link, the commission tabled a resolution in support of the project until it can be rewritten to emphasize the economic development advantages of the road.
"Forget about the idea that Roanoke needs a shortcut to Blacksburg," said Commission member Clayton Tinnel Jr. "A lot of folks out in the rural area of the valley won't buy that."
The federal government has approved $5.9 million for planning the road, and much of that money will be funneled through Virginia Tech for research.
Still, there are many more federal dollars available to test smart road technology, Hobeika said.
The federal government already has earmarked $1.25 billion for research and development of intelligent-vehicles highway systems and Hobeika said he expects that amount to increase.
"This is big business," he said. "Everybody is throwing money at it and we ought to catch some."
The preferred route for the road is a five-mile stretch from south Blacksburg to I-81, about 2 1/2 miles north of Exit 118.
Hobeika said the road could spur much economic development because companies across the country will relocate to Southwest Virginia to test their smart highway research.
The road has been approved by state and federal transportation boards, but it's a long way from completion because supporters must find money to build the $82 million highway.
Money for the link must come from nontraditional sources, such as a bond issue, federal grants and corporate donations. It won't compete for limited funds with other projects in the Salem transportation district or elsewhere in the state.
In April 1992, Gov. Douglas Wilder vetoed a bill that would have allowed a bond issue of $28 million for the road.
Hobeika said it's imperative that the road get support from "the governor on down" so the state doesn't miss out on federal money.
"We are not the only players in this field," he said. "Hopefully, Virginia will wake up and say we also want to be a player."
by CNB