HD6 - Report of the U.S. Route 460 Communications Committee on the Improvement Projects


    Executive Summary:
    U.S. Route 460
    Communications Committee
    (HJR No. 684, 2001; SJR 324, 2003; HJR 185, 2004)

    The Committee held its only meeting of the 2004 interim on August 2, it's seventh meeting since its creation by the 2001 Session. During these three years, the Committee has been successful, by bringing together and focusing the many communities of interest -- both within and outside state and local government circles -- in maintaining forward momentum behind the U.S. Route 460 improvement. I am happy to report that, as of our most recent meeting, the U.S. Route 460 project remained on schedule and on budget. If projected schedules continue to hold, we can expect a final Environmental Impact Statement some time in 2005, and a federal record of decision in early 2006. Following a record of decision, work can begin on design and right-of-way acquisition. At that point considerable funding is necessary to keep the project on track. As we move forward and final decisions are made as to whether or not to build the project and then where the project, if built, will be located and what form it will take, financial matters are sure to become the Committee's and the Department's primary focus.

    Pursuant to House Joint Resolution 185 of 2004, the work of the Committee will continue at least through 2005. The Committee does not plan to submit a formal report to the 2005 Session, nor does it plan to propose any legislation for consideration by the 2005 Session, other than pursuing funding options for the project. The Committee is scheduled to meet next on January 13, one-half hour after adjournment of the House of Delegates in the General Assembly's fourth floor west conference room.