ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 1997 TAG: 9703050094
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on March 12 for comments on highway construction fund allocation in the 12-county Salem transportation district.
The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in the community room of the Salem Civic Center on Roanoke Boulevard.
The hearing is the first step the state takes in preparing a new six-year construction plan for the district. The plans are revised annually, before the beginning of the July 1 fiscal year. A final hearing is on June 5.
Projects to be considered at the hearing involve interstate, urban and primary roads numbered 1 through 599.
Meanwhile, individual county boards of supervisors will address construction on secondary roads numbering 600 or above.
Those wishing to speak at the hearing are asked to limit their remarks to five minutes. Groups are asked to name a spokesperson to present their requests.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Robert Martinez and Transportation Commissioner David Gehr plan to attend the hearing. Members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board will also be present, including Lorinda Lionberger of Penhook, who represents the Salem District.
After opening remarks by Martinez and members of the General Assembly, the speaking order will be:
* 10 a.m.: Roanoke, Botetourt and Craig counties; the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the town of Vinton.
* 11:30 a.m.: Bedford, Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties; the cities of Bedford and Martinsville and the towns of Rocky Mount and Stuart.
* 1 p.m.: Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski counties; the cities of Galax and Radford and towns of Hillsville, Narrows, Pearisburg, Dublin, Pulaski, Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
Those who can't attend the hearing may send their written comments within 10 days to Fred C. Altizer Jr., Salem District Administrator, Virginia Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 3071, Salem, 24153.
People who need special assistance may call the district office at (540) 387-5322. TDD users call (804) 786-4410.
- Staff report
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB