A three-year contract was awarded to Pennsylvania-based CRH Catering Co. Inc. to develop and manage a new program to generate funds that will help offset the estimated $21 million annual cost of operating the rest areas. CRH is required by contract to pay the state $2 million annually from the funds raised.
“My administration has moved aggressively to find innovative solutions for maintaining and operating Virginia's rest areas and welcome centers, which provide a safe place for travelers to rest and gather information about the many attractions and services Virginia has to offer,” McDonnell said in a press release. “By partnering with the private sector, we are not only keeping our rest areas open, but we are making our roads safer by discouraging distracted driving.”
About 33 million visitors use the state's rest areas each year, according to the governor's office.
