Local Assistance Division

Access Programs

The Access Roads programs provide for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of roads serving new or expanding airports, economic development sites, and recreational sites.

Contact: Fulton deLamorton 804-786-2720

Economic Development Access

The purpose of the Economic Development Access Program is to provide adequate access to qualifying development sites. Adequate access, in consideration of the type and volume of traffic anticipated to be generated by the subject site, may require the construction of a new roadway, improvement of an existing roadway, or both to serve the designated site. The program is administered by VDOT under the authority of § 33.1-221 of the Code of Virginia.

Airport Access

The Airport Access Program assists localities in providing adequate access to licensed, public-use airports. Adequate access, in consideration of the type and volume of traffic to be generated by the subject site, may require the construction of a new roadway, improvement of an existing roadway, or both to serve the designated site. The program is administered by VDOT under the authority of § 33.1-221 of the Code of Virginia. Funding for these projects is provided through VDOT’s Industrial, Airport, and Rail Access Fund and approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Recreational Access

The Recreational Access Program assists localities in providing access to public recreational or historic areas owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia or a local government. The program is administered by VDOT under the authority of §33.1-223 of the Code of Virginia with the concurrence of the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Funding for these projects is provided through VDOT's Recreational Access Fund and approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Environmental Requirements

If a state funded construction project is estimated to cost more than $500,000 (in total), VDOT must comply with the State Environmental Review Process (SERP). If VDOT determines that a SERP Preliminary Environmental Inventory (PEI) is required, that documentation will be provided to the Locality. The Locality is solely responsible for compliance required by any state and/or federal regulations, laws, etc.

Environmental Requirements for Economic Development, Airport and Recreational Access Projects

Revenue Sharing Program

The Virginia Department of Transportation administers this program, in cooperation with participating localities, under the authority of Section 33.1-23.05 of the Code of Virginia. In July 2012, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) revised its policy and the Revenue Sharing Program Guidelines to address the changes in Section 33.1-23.05 of the Code of Virginia approved by the General Assembly during the 2012 session.

The “Revenue Sharing Program” provides additional funding for use by a county, city, or town to construct or improve the highway systems within such county, city, or town, with statutory limitations on the amount of state funds authorized per locality. Funds can also be requested for eligible additions in certain counties of the Commonwealth. Locality funds are matched with state funds for qualifying projects. An annual allocation of funds for this program is designated by the CTB.

Application for program funding must be made by resolution of the governing body with appropriate forms as outlined in the Revenue Sharing Guidelines. Towns not maintaining their own streets must have their requests included in the application of the county in which they are located. Project administration may be accomplished by the Department of Transportation or, by the locality under an agreement with the Department.

General Revenue Sharing Information

PDFs