Opportunities for the Privatization of Virginia's Rest Areas and Welcome Centers

About the report:

The report presents the findings of a study that investigated the opportunities for the future development, expansion, and operation of Virginia's rest areas and welcome centers through joint efforts of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Virginia Division of Tourism (VDT), and the private sector. The researchers examined rest facility operations from historical, financial, legal, state and motorist perspectives and considered the positive and negative components of privatizing these facilities. The report addresses the activity underway aimed at altering the federal prohibition of rest facility commercialization. Included is an overview of the recent AASHTO activities as well as those of other states. The researchers concluded that when and if federal legislation is modified, privatization in the form of joint commercial ventures by the private and public sectors is a viable alternative for offsetting the costs to build and maintain rest areas and welcome centers. As a result of their finding that the climate for modifying federal legislation that prohibits rest area commercialization looks promising, the researchers offer several recommendations for VDOT's consideration.

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