Va. rest stop debate pits region vs. region

WASHINGTON - It sounded like a simple idea. Commercialize Virginia's rest stops so they could pay for themselves and remain open in tight budget times.

Gov. Tim Kaine says even "modest commercialization" like selling coffee or snacks would help them stay afloat and possibly save the 18 rest stops closed so far.

But this idea has now derailed, and the culprit is a familiar face: regional politics.

This time the split shows up in Congress, which holds sole power to approve commercializing rest stops on Interstates.

Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) tried moving an amendment for commercialization though a committee last week, but it was killed partially because of pressure from some congressman from the state's southern, rural areas.

Sources tell WTOP these congressmen were approached by local businesses who did not want competition from rest stops.

Wolf won't confirm that, but says he will try again to get the waiver.

"We'll keep looking," Wolf said. "You never say never, and you always keep looking. I'm sure we'll find something."

The state closed the rest stops to cut $9 million from a tight budget.

AAA and other organizations say closing the rest stops increases danger on the roads for truckers and other drivers.

The rest stops that have already closed are:

• I-81 North Rural Retreat
• I-81 South Smyth
• I-81 North Radford
• I-81 South Troutville
• I-81 North Mt. Sidney
• I-81 South Mt. Sidney
• I-81 South New Market
• I-95 North Ladysmith
• I-95 South Ladysmith
• I-95 North Dale City (cars)
• I-95 South Dale City (cars)
• I-66 East Manassas
• I-64 East Goochland
• I-64 West Goochland
• I-85 North Dinwiddie
• I-85 South Dinwiddie
• I-85 North Alberta
• I-85 South Alberta

The final rest area to close, the Interstate 66 West Manassas Welcome Center, will remain open through mid-September.

Now in some parts of the state, you have to travel 120 miles between rest stops or simply get off the highway.

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