Friday Business Buzz
HOT lane construction to begin in spring

by Jessica Sabbath
Virginia Business
December 21, 2007

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced Thursday that all agreements have been finalized to build toll lanes on the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia.

Two private companies, Transurban Group and Fluor Enterprises, will begin the 14-mile, $1.4 billion project in the spring. Construction must be completed by 2013 under an agreement  with VDOT.

The project will add two lanes in each direction on the Beltway. Cars with three or more people will be able to use the lanes for free, while toll prices will fluctuate based on traffic volumes for other users. The fee is expected to be about $5 or $6.

Virginia is paying for a $409 million grant for the project. The companies will collect the tolls.

“Addressing congestion with new solutions is critical to our economic well-being and quality of life,” Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a statement. “With this agreement, the Department of Transportation and their private and federal partners are addressing congestion on Virginia’s busiest highway.” 

 SCC approves Highland wind turbines

The State Corporation Commission gave conditional approval to a wind-powered electric project in Highland County.

Under the agreement, Highland New Wind Development must spend $150,000 a year to ensure the project’s 19 turbines do not endanger local bats and birds. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will monitor the project’s effect on wildlife.

Highland New Wind said the $60 million project will generate electricity for 5,000 or 6,000 homes.

The project has garnered opposition from environmentalists and many local residents. They could appeal the SCC’s decision to the Virginia Supreme Court.