Commission OKs transportation bonds

By MELINA DOWNS
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: July 2, 2008

STAFFORD — Stafford County is looking at a bond referendum to borrow $70 million to complete road projects as a follow up to a 2006 bond that was rejected by voters.

During a specially called meeting June 25 the Stafford County Planning Commission discussed, commented and voted on the bond referendum to help the

Stafford County Board of Supervisors in its decision-making process.

“Our responsibility and our challenge was to send recommendations,” said Cecelia Kirkman, Griffis-Widewater representative. “My votes on the projects are not an endorsement of the bond. I really think this is the wrong thing to ask tax payers — to anti-up money for road projects.”

The board of supervisors tasked the commission with evaluating the projects recommended for improvement because of the lack of funding available to complete transportation improvement projects.

Among the larger proposed road improvements were the widening of 2.10 miles of Warrenton Road to six and eight lanes with a total estimated cost of $47.7 million with $7.8 million provided by the bond, a two-lane reconstruction of 1.40 miles of Ferry Road with a total estimated cost of $5 million fully funded by the bond and widening Garrisonville Road to six lanes for .65 miles at an estimated cost of $11.7 million with $8.7 million from the bond.

The planning commission voted to approve the recommended bonds to the board.

“We’ve done the task set before us,” said Chairman Pete Fields, George Washington District. “It’s become a fact of life everybody is trying to the best they can to find a solution.”

The board of supervisors will make a decision on the bond referendum, which, if passed, will be voted on by Stafford citizens.

The board’s deadline for a decision is Aug. 19.

Melina Downs is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at .