Rest area closures could spur business

The state has closed 18 interstate rest areas and plans to close another by September. Traveling I-64 over the weekend, my family and I can attest to the need to keep all of the stops open.

When taking the I-295 bypass around Richmond that meets I-64 East, heading to Tidewater, we were delayed more than an hour because of two crashes between mile markers 200 and 214. As a card-carrying member of the AARP there’s no need, I hope, to explain why I needed a rest stop.

Luckily the last wreck cleared a mile before reaching the rest area at mile 214, so my suffering didn’t last too long. Road signs indicated the next one was 50 miles farther east.

So far, many of the arguments against closing the rest areas have focused on safety issues. State lawmakers are, as well they should be, concerned about tired truckers. While truckers’ alertness is the most important reason for keeping the rest stops open, there are other things to think about.

Tourism is too important to be overlooked, as well as the aging of Virginia and the country. When traffic stoppages or long delays put relief pressures on young and old alike, it’s very uncomfortable.

Men usually don’t hesitate to find relief behind bushes or trees along the interstate but for bashful females regardless of age, only rest stops will do. It’s too late to stop the closings now but there are alternative solutions.

When working as an advocate of minority business development, my major goal was to promote contract vendor opportunities between minority-owned businesses and major corporations, state institutions and agencies and municipalities.

The most challenging obstacle was convincing procurement people that I wasn’t trying to replace suppliers that they had been dealing with for years. I assured them that there were ample business opportunities for their established vendors and for those I represented.

I’m giving that information so you’ll understand my suggestion. It’s one that top state officials are touting as a solution to the problem.

Last week, one of the local television stations reported that some local businesses see an upside to the closing of rest areas. The closing of two (north and southbound) rest areas between Weyers Cave and Verona could be a boon for Verona’s restaurateurs. Travelers needing food, beverages and restrooms will visit local establishments.

Consider this: Instead of permanently closing rest areas why not outsource them to entrepreneurs that would also serve food, fuel, souvenirs, maps, etc.?

Though rest stops on the closure list lack space for all the services I described, most are situated in areas surrounded by ample acreage for expansion.

It takes approval and authorization from the Congress to privatize rest area maintenance and operations. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and state Transportation Secretary Pierce Home have asked Congress for the waiver.

Why not outsource maintenance and operation of all Virginia rest areas?

Knowing food-serving businesses will object, I foresee numerous business opportunities and scenarios. Restaurant owners could expand or merge with lawn care and janitorial firms. Individuals could become franchisees and be responsible for either the maintenance and lawn care or food concessions.

As in the example I mention previously, there are opportunities for existing and new businesses.

Nelson Graves, of Augusta County, is a columnist for The News Virginian. E-mail him at .