By Diana McFarland
Smithfield Times News editor
The town of Smithfield scrambled for more than seven years to raise enough money to beautify South Church Street.
Now the town has the money, but VDOT lacks the staff to even approve the plans.
The design plans were sent to VDOT for comments in July and were to be returned within 30 days.
Four months later, the plans are still with VDOT, said Town Manager Peter Stephenson.
“We’re ready to get this thing out to bid.”
VDOT, along with many other state agencies, have suffered through budget cuts throughout the year due to multi-billion dollar shortfalls.
Recently, the Commonwealth Transportation Board announced VDOT’s proposed six-year plan. The proposed budget cut off funding for hundreds of projects past fiscal 2010.
Agency-wide, VDOT is facing $851.5 million in revenue reductions through 2015 for operations, maintenance and construction projects.
Read the entire story in the November 25 issue of the Smithfield Times. Papers can be purchased at newstands, or subscribe by calling 357-3288 or online at www.smithfieldtimes.com
