WHEREAS, the Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania-Stafford region faces serious transportation problems that demand effective solutions;

WHEREAS, the proposed northwest quadrant of the Outer Connector would destroy a nationally significant stretch of the Rappahannock River, the historic Chancellorville Battlefield and other Civil War sites, and the quality of life of area citizens;

WHEREAS, the proposed northwest quadrnt of the Outer Connector represents a costly waste of taxpayer funds that fails to address the transportation needs of area citizens and businesses;

WHEREAS, the proposed northwest quadrant of the Outer Connector will lead to uncontrolled growth, increased congestion, dislocation of existing businesses, and consumption of funds needed for area transportation improvements well into the 21 century;

WHEREAS, effective solutions do exist that would efficiently utilize available funding to both address local transportation needs and preserve the region's quality of life and heritage.

     The fight is not over! Although the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted in favor of the northwest leg of the Outer Connector, there is still much we can do. Currently, COCA is encouraging local organizations and citizens to write letters to Senator Robb, Senator Warner, and Congressman Bateman in support of the professional wisdom the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Army Corps of Engineers have shown in regards to this project. These organizations brought attention to the fact that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation, failed to disclose the severe negative impacts that the Outer Connector would have on some of our most pristine natural and historical sites. The proposed highway would cut into areas of the Rappahannock River, which are now eligible for Wild and Scenic Status, and also into the historically rich Chancellorville Civil War Battlefields. Because of this, the NPS, EPA, and ACE have indicated that the study be withdrawn and a new study conducted to fully reveal all impacts on area resources and to review any viable alternatives. Addresses are listed below for you to join in preserving and protecting our nationally significant resources.

Local Organizations
Central Virginia Battlefields Trust
Citizens to Serve Stafford
Concerned Citizens of Spotsylvania
Downtown Retail Marketing, Inc.
Fredericksburg Area Citizens for Transportation Solutions
Friends of the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields
Friends of the Rappahannock
Historic Fredericksburg Foundation
Rappahannock Outdoor Education Center
Sierra Club - Battlefields Group
Spotswood Hunt Club
Spotsylvania Preservation Foundation, Inc.
Stafford Citizens for Quality of Life

State/Regional Organizations
Canoe Cruisers Association
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Coastal Canoeists
Friends of the Rivers of Virginia
James River Basin Canoe Livery
Sierra Club - Virginia Chapter
Virginia Canals and Navigation Society
Virginia Conservation Network