There will be no tolling on the southern end of Interstate 95 without the General Assembly’s say-so, thanks to approval of the transportation funding bill during the recently concluded legislative session.

As the state budget inches closer to passage by the General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Transportation is hoping to raise money by selling the naming rights for roads, bridges and highway stretches.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has awarded 18 communities a total of $5.9 million this year through the Safe Routes to School program. Funds awarded in the 2012 grant cycle are slated for projects designed to make bicycling and walking to school safer and more appealing for students at 28 elementary and middle schools.

Several state legislators are sponsoring proposals to require governments to compensate property owners when public works crews block roads or sidewalks and prevent customers from getting to businesses.

Virginia’s “pothole blitz” has been so successful that Gov. Bob McDonnell has extended the initiative until April 15. The pothole blitz originally was scheduled only for the month of March. Since March 1, the Virginia Department of Transportation has patched, filled or repaired more than 120,000 potholes, McDonnell said.

A gap in the state budget isn’t the only hole Virginia officials are trying to fill. They’re also trying to plug potholes that harsh winter weather has left on roads throughout the commonwealth.

Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking Virginians to help the Virginia Department of Transportation in a “Pothole Blitz” aimed at repairing the damage.

Read Samantha Downing’s story here or in the Gainesville Times.

Virginians soon may be able to try before they buy at their local ABC store. The General Assembly has passed a bill allowing wine and liquor tasting events at the government-run outlets. Read Rebecca Leon’s story on RichmondBizSense.com.