On January 20, the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to reopen 19 Interstate rest areas that had been closed during the summer of 2009 due to state budget cuts. The board's unanimous approval followed a short appeal by newly seated Gov. Bob McDonnell, who made good on a campaign promise to reopen the rest areas. OOIDA members and others have been credited with keeping pressure on Virginia lawmakers to reopen the rest areas.
House Transportation Chairman Oberstar introduced the Surface Transportation Authorization Act (see “Highway Funding ” Issues & Actions) which terminates the Interstate Oasis program. In May 2009, Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced “Jason’s Law” or H.R. 2156. Jason’s Law is a bill that will provide grant money to increase security and expand parking areas for trucks across the country, which in essence is a reauthorization of the Truck Parking Pilot Program, but at higher funding levels. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (NY) introduced “Jason’s Law” companion bill – S. 971. The STAA currently does not contain the Truck Parking Pilot Program or Jason’s Law.
Arizona closed 13 out of 18 rest areas in 2009. Vermont, Ohio and Indiana may be closing some rest areas. Texas has increased its rest areas.