The Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved its 2021-2026 Six-Year Improvement Plan (SYIP) COVID-19 update at its December meeting, the board announced Thursday.
A budget amendment submitted by Gov. Ralph Northam, approved during the legislature’s 2020 Special Session, allowed the CTB to manage the financial impact of COVID-19 on transportation revenues while maintaining all of the projects in the SYIP on time and on schedule. The impact of COVID-19 on revenues is anticipated to be $850 million through 2022.
Using a targeted approach to update specific funding programs, the CTB restructured its allocation strategy to focus on the revenue sharing program, utilize previously allocated funds not needed to support current project delivery needs, and replace those allocations in fiscal years 2021-2026 as necessary to support current projects.
According to the board, no existing funding commitments will be reduced, and no existing projects will be delayed due to the proposed restructuring strategy.
A full update to the SYIP for fiscal years 2022-2027 will begin in January.
“This SYIP update allows the Commonwealth to proceed with its transportation construction projects on time and on schedule,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “With the General Assembly’s passage of the Governor’s budget amendment during the Special Session to provide the needed flexibility, we are now able to support critical infrastructure, secure our workforce, and serve as the platform for Virginia’s economic recovery and growth.”
The board also authorized the Virginia Department of Transportation to enter into an agreement to coordinate the design and construction of transportation improvements associated with Arlington National Cemetery’s expansion.
“We are proud to be part of this special project to expand Arlington National Cemetery, allowing the continued tradition of recognizing and honoring our country’s fallen heroes,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich.
The CTB also approved three construction contracts, one totaling $11.3 million to Bryant Structures Inc. of Toano to replace a bridge over Blackwater River in Suffolk and Southampton counties, another for $13 million to Phillips Construction LLC of Henderson, Ky. to improve an interchange on Interstate 81 at Route 75 in Washington County, and a third for $8.3 million to W.C. English Incorporated of Lynchburg to replace a bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Campbell County.