Businesses at Interstate Exits Employ Millions of People

2.2 million people will work at jobs off Interstate exits by 2010, according to a 2003 University of Maryland study.  Who are these men and women?

• Some are motel housekeepers striving to support their families.
• Others may be students waiting tables to save money for college.
• Still others are mechanics repairing long-haul trucks, fuel station attendants, store clerks and more.

In short, they are our neighbors, friends and family members working at businesses that need travelers to pull off the Interstate and walk through their doors in order to thrive.

State Proposals Jeopardize Jobs At Exits

Imagine these workers’ reactions when, in a time of shocking unemployment rates, some states have plans that could put their employers out of business.

• California, Oregon and Washington propose building government-run alternative fueling stations along I-5. To ease the cost of construction, the states would allow these rest areas to sell food and fuel – in direct competition to existing highway businesses.
• Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board has urged Gov. Tim Kaine to work with Virginia lawmakers to lift the federal law that bans food and fuel sales at interstate rest areas.

Plans Risk Jobs Amidst Shocking Unemployment

America’s unemployment rate rose to 8.5 percent in March. Over the past 12 months, the jobless ranks grew by 5.3 million people, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In this climate, it is inconceivable that states would develop plans to use taxpayers’ own resources to put taxpayers out of work.  Yet, that is exactly what proposals to “commercialize” rest areas would do.

Located on the median or shoulder, commercialized rest areas operate as virtual monopolies because of their location. Any proposal to establish commercialized rest areas would cripple the employers at exits that depend on interstate travelers.

Efficient, Pro-Employment Alternatives Abound

There are more efficient and effective alternatives at hand that could strengthen employers. Here are two example:

• States could promote alternative fuels through incentives to help existing truckstops and gasoline stations install various alternative fuel dispensers.  Not only would this support local businesses, but it would also be faster than building new facilities.
• States could also use the federal Interstate Oasis program which identifies interstate-based businesses where passengers can rest while on the highway. These facilities can help states provide services to travelers and foster alternative fuels without threatening existing businesses.