The cutbacks planned for the Virginia Department of Transportation would impact services like snow and ice removal, road surface repair, and mowing.

The agency seeks to reduce its overall staffing levels by 1,000 full-time employees and 450 hourly and temporary staff by 2010. The Commonwealth is facing a projected $2.6-billion shortfall in transportation revenues over the next six years.

VDOT says it will now focus its resources on emergency response efforts, maintenance, and operations.

A recent news release states, "Motorist safety and emergency response continue to be VDOT's top priorities ... However, VDOT will be smaller and focused solely on core services and commitments."

The cutbacks are only one element of a comprehensive plan, called the "Blueprint for the Future." That blueprint involves closing two administrative offices in the Valley, in Luray and in Verona.

"We're prioritizing all emergency response and safety activities that we do on the roadways, and we will ensure that that work gets done, and that our roadways remain safe for the drivers that depend on them," says Jeff Caldwell, a VDOT spokesperson.

A recent presentation for the Commonwealth Transportation Board proposes changes in services

"And of course, here in Page we have a tremendous amount of rural roads," says Tommy LaFrance, chairman of the Page County Board of Supervisors. "And, the priority assignment of those is being decreased and decreased and decreased."

Under the proposed changes, roads that see fewer vehicles each day would see less snow removed after 48 hours.

"On some of those roads where there really isn't a high number of vehicles traveling, we may still have snow on the ground after those 48 hours. But, we will make sure the road is passable for all traffic," says Caldwell.

LaFrance says he's been in discussions with VDOT officials about other potential impacts of the budget shortfall.

"If a bridge goes out on a secondary road, and there's not funds available, and there's other access, the bridge could simply be closed," says LaFrance. "There could be a lot of impacts that we have to now go through and start letting people know and be aware of and prepared for."

A public hearing at which VDOT will get feedback from communities on the proposed cutbacks is scheduled for March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona.