It appears that VDOT’s initiative to close some 19 Virginia interstate rest areas has become the major gubernatorial political fodder of the day. Similar to the TV quiz program, Name That Tune, we have each of the candidates bidding on the reopening of the areas.

Follow up:

One says, “I can have them open 90 days after I elected”

The other, “I can open them in 30 days”

Hey, fellows. Hello! May of us in the electorate don’t think that is a priority. In fact why in the world do we need publicly funded, public employee rest areas on Virginia’s interstates in the first place? Why do we need any interruptions to traffic flow in addition to the existing entrances and egresses? CLOSE THEM ALL.

I speak as a business traveler to and fro from Hampton Roads to D.C, Manassas, Roanoke, Charlottesville, and other Virginia localities. I have never been in a position where it was necessary, or even essential, to use a Virginia funded rest area. There are numerous eateries, truck stop facilities, gas stations, lavatories in immediate proximity of most every exit along out highways and byways. Additionally, they are privately owned. They pay taxes. They create jobs. They cut their own grass. They are regulated by the conformity of their local laws.

Please enlighten me. Where is the return on investment in state governmental funded rest areas? Completed in 2007, The New Kent rest area on I-64 cost $5.056 million. Excuse me that was just the west bound facility. Add another 4 million for the east bound facility. The reason for their construction? The Jamestown 400th anniversary event. Come and gone.

But then again, that is my opinion. What do you think??