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Council supports application for $1M revenue‑sharing to close funding gap on I‑81 Exit 243 project
Summary
Public Works presented a plan to apply for $1 million in VDOT revenue‑sharing (50/50) to close a $2 million shortfall for the Exit 243 improvements; council authorized a resolution of support and staff will seek a $1 million allocation in the FY27 budget if the application succeeds.
Tom Hartman returned to the podium to present a revenue‑sharing resolution for the I‑81 Exit 243 improvement project. He said the project's original SmartScale estimate exceeded current costs and the city faces roughly a $3.8 million deficit; VDOT identified an extra $1.8 million in SmartScale funds and the city proposes applying for $1 million in revenue sharing (matched by $1 million from the city) to close the remaining gap.
Hartman said the improvements would add a second left‑turn lane in the southbound direction and a receiving lane on the on‑ramp to better align traffic movements, and would also add turning capacity on the exit to reduce conflicts in a truck‑heavy commercial corridor. If supported, the application would be submitted in mid‑September and the city would seek the matching $1 million in the FY27 budget; right‑of‑way and construction phases are planned with construction scheduled to begin in 2028 if funding and approvals align.
Council voted to adopt the resolution of support by roll call; staff will submit the application and incorporate the match request into next budget cycle as appropriate.
