She is vice president of Lionberger Construction Co., which erects buildings, not roads, and has its office in Roanoke County. The transportation board decides which projects get funded, although they listen to the governor's and legislature's wishes. Board members say their decision on the I-73 study would be strongly influenced by Lionberger's recommendation because the project is in her district. The chief engineer's office was vacated by a retirement last year and is being filled on an interim basis by Frank Gee, head of VDOT's construction division. Candidates take I-73 en route to November Interstate 73 has overlaid itself on the road map of this fall's election campaign, with several Democrats lining up against its proposed route through Southeast Roanoke and Roanoke County.
Interstate opponents say historical sites and environmental issues are their best means of defense.
Henry County residents somehow got I-73 rerouted. The endangered fish, farm land and forests are concerns that may affect the federal approval of I-73. The new plan through Henry County will also cost just a little less to build. It won't be an interstate in West Virginia. In Virginia, the section from Bluefield to Roanoke is on the back burner.