
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, December 26, 1993                   TAG: 9401060352
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C7   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                                 LENGTH: Short

HAMPTON ROADS MAY LOSE MILLIONS IN ROAD FUNDING

A planning district commission estimates that the Hampton Roads area will lose $15.9 million in highway-construction money next year under the state's proposed funding formula.

That cut, combined with underfunding for area road construction over the past six years, will hamstring construction in southeast Virginia, one of the state's most populous areas, said the Hampton Roads Planning District Commisission and local officials.

The Department of Transportations' final report on revamping the funding formula contined two major recommendations that would bring Virginia into compliance with new federal guidelines. The recommendations would reduce the amount given to urban systems and increase funding for roads in rural areas, thus leading to the $15.9 million cut, according to Dwight Farmer, director of transportation for the planning district.

Sen Hunter Andrews, D-Hampton and chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee, has recommended a special session of the General Assembly to raise money for highway construction by increasing the state's gasoline tax.

Gov.-elect George Allen, however, has said he will veto any gasoline tax increase.

by CNB