FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006

Contacts:
Donna Purcell Mayes
(804) 786-2717
Cell (804) 317-7113

Jimmy Carr
Assistant Secretary of Transportation
(804) 786-8032

Draft Traffic Impact Analysis Regulations are Available for Comment

 Regulations are intended to improve land-use and transportation planning coordination

RICHMOND -Draft traffic impact analysis regulations intended to improve coordination between land-use and transportation planning throughout Virginia are available for public comment, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced today.  

The draft regulations were developed by VDOT staff with the input of technical and policy advisory committees comprised of representatives from local governments and other stakeholder groups. 

The regulations are posted online at www.VirginiaDOT.org/projects/chapter527 and will be published on the Regulatory Town Hall on Sept.18, 2006. Public comment will be accepted through Oct.18, and reviewed by VDOT staff and the Policy Advisory Committee as the regulations are finalized.  VDOT staff will hold a public hearing on Sept. 25 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in VDOT's Central Office Auditorium at 1221 E. Broad St., Richmond.   

The regulation provides for VDOT's review and comment on the effects on the transportation network of proposed comprehensive plans, rezonings and site plans. 

The legislation requires that VDOT submit a cost and fee report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec.1, 2006, and publish final regulations by Dec. 31, 2006. The regulations will take effect in July 2007.