VDOT schedules public meetings for six-year plan

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will provide the public an opportunity to comment about essential rail, public transportation, commuter service, bicycle, pedestrian, and interstate and primary highway projects included in the Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for fiscal years 2008-2013.

The agencies will conduct one meeting in each transportation district to collect information for the annual update of the SYIP. The Richmond District meeting will be held on Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the John Tyler Community College Student Center, Room N102 A and B, at the Chester campus. There will be a public officials briefing from 5-6 p.m. followed by public discussion.

During the comment period, individuals will be allowed to speak for three minutes each. Groups will be asked to designate one person to speak on their behalf. Written comments can also be submitted at the meetings.

Individuals who cannot attend may send their comments up to 10 calendar days after

the meeting to: Public Information Officer Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 1313 E. Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23218-0590 drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov

Programming Director Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 E. Broad Street. Richmond, VA 23219 Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov

The Commonwealth Transportation Board will take public comments into consideration prior to adopting a final SYIP by July 1 next year.

Comments received at the public meetings, along with the latest revenue picture, will be used to develop a draft SYIP. A final public hearing on the draft SYIP will be held in the spring.

For more information, visit www. virginiadot.org or www.drpt.virginia.gov.