Feds Fault State’s Environmental Studies

Proposal and Savings
Deny funding for the proposed Outer Connector. Estimated cost of the first of four segments would be over $100 million, coming from state and federal highway funds.

Background
The Outer Connector is a controlled access circumferential highway. The first segment is planned to connect State Route 3 in Spotsylvania to a proposed I-95 interchange in Stafford County in an effort to relieve regional traffic congestion. Seeking to construct an entire beltway around Fredricksburg, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has divided the project into four segments.

Status
The Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of the Interior, and National Park Service have all deemed the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) done by VDOT as insufficient. The Federal Highway Administration has required VDOT to complete a supplemental EIS which examines alternative routes for the project. The Coalition for Outer Connector Alternatives (COCA) is currently examining the legal issues surrounding compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Problems with the project

Taxpayer Concerns
Cheaper alternatives exist, including synchronizing traffic signals, constructing road "fly-overs" across Route 3, improving current roads, expanding the region’s transit system, and utilizing existing bridges. VDOT’s own traffic models show that because of the expected commercial and residential growth caused by the highway, by the year 2020, the Outer Connector would contribute significantly to increased congestion in the region.

Local Community Concerns
The Outer Connector would cut through the regional water supply that provides drinking water to well over 100,000 residents. The highway would also cut through sections of Civil War battle sites, Colonial and Native American settlements, and the Fredricksburg-Spotsylvania National Military Park. Noise generated by the project would disturb a major camping area. Fredricksburg residents are concerned about the effects that urban and suburban sprawl would have on the quality of life in the region. Sprawl would also leave the only remaining farmlands of Stafford County vulnerable to development.

Environmental Concerns
Under VDOT’s current plan, the Outer Connector would cross the Rappahannock River with four new bridges. This precious Virginian natural resource is renowned as a state designated scenic area and major tourist attraction due to its natural beauty and recreational advantages. The river is a natural wildlife corridor that is home to bald eagles, blue herons, hawks, deer and other wildlife.

Contacts
Larry Gross, Coalition for Outer Connector Alternatives, (540) 786-6843; Ruth Carlone, Citizens To Serve Stafford, (540) 752-2323, rcarlon300@aol.com .