States on Both Coasts Vow to Overturn Ban on Rest Area Commercialization; Register for Day on Capitol Hill to Join Industry in Opposition!

By Stephen Beaulieu

Last week, the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board unanimously passed a resolution supporting rest area commercialization. The resolution asks Gov. Tim Kaine to ask Va.’s congressional delegation to obtain a waiver for Va.

Va. is not the only state targeting rest areas as a revenue source. As Congress drafts a highway bill this year, officials in at least four states—Calif., Ore., Va. and Wash.—are asking lawmakers to reverse the federal law against rest area commercialization.

Va. Gov. Kaine expressed interest in the resolution, but acknowledged the potential for opposition from retail businesses near interstate exit ramps. Va.’s transportation secretary says he supports the idea.

Va officials have drawn fire from elected officials, truckers and residents for a decision to close 25 of the state’s 41 rest areas.

In the West, Wash., Ore. and Calif. had previously unveiled plans to commercialize rest areas to provide “alternative fuels” and other services.   

Not only will businesses in these states suffer if the commercialization proposals advance, but this could also prompt other states to pursue similar efforts. NATSO urges all members to register today for NATSO’s Day on Capitol Hill, Apr. 27–28, and tell Congress how preserving the long-standing ban on rest area commercialization supports our industry’s businesses and jobs.