I-81 PPTA Proposals

NEWS

Commissioner picks STAR for negotiations

Advisory panel makes recommendation

PPTA TIMELINE

September 2002

VDOT solicited conceptual proposals from private entities to design, build, improve, maintain and/or operate all or parts of I-81 through Virginia.

January 2003

VDOT received two conceptual proposals: Fluor Virginia Inc. and STAR Solutions.

March 2003

The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to move both proposals to the next stage of review under the PPTA process.

September 2003

VDOT received detailed proposals from both groups. The proposals were submitted to affected local governments with a 60-day comment period. The advisory panel was created, and review meetings were held in October, November, December and January. A public comment session was held in January.

February 2004

The panel recommended to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner that he enter into negotiations with STAR Solutions.

March 2004

After reviewing the panel's recommendation and extensive documentation, as well as touring the I-81 corridor, Commissioner Philip Shucet directed VDOT to enter negotiations with Star Solutions as the potential operator for I-81 improvements.

NOTE: Negotiations are still under way toward a comprehensive agreement. This action in no way preempts the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA), which requires the evaluation of reasonable alternatives, as well as an analysis of potential social, environmental and economic impacts. NEPA serves as a basis for making informed decisions before proceeding with any construction.

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Negotiations are proceeding under a Virginia purchasing law called the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) of 1995, which allows private entities to enter into agreements to construct, improve, maintain and operate transportation facilities. (For more information, see the PPTA Guidelines (PDF).)

Under the PPTA law, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner may decide whether to do business with a particular firm following a multi-level review of a proposal from that firm. STAR Solutions’ proposal is based on the concept of separating cars and trucks on I-81. Information, maps and pictures presented by STAR Solutions are ideas only and may not reflect exactly what could be built along I-81.

Selection of STAR Solutions does not mean that VDOT has decided to build separate lanes for trucks along I-81. In fact, no final decisions have been made about how I-81 may look and function in the future in Virginia.

Negotiations continue with STAR as a potential business partner. The current negotiations do not include road design. If major improvements are decided on for I-81, the environmental study will provide the basis for selecting a design.

The decision to negotiate with STAR Solutions does not preempt the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, requiring the evaluation of reasonable alternatives, as well as an analysis of potential social, environmental and economic impacts. NEPA serves as a basis for making informed decisions prior to proceeding with any construction activities.

In January 2004, VDOT launched its I-81 Corridor Improvement Study, under the auspices of NEPA. This study will provide much factual information about the problems along I-81 and help determine what can be built.
» Star Solutions proposal

Advisory Panel Members