That was one of many stark realities outlined by Virginia's Transportation Commissioner David Ekern in his May 20th presentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

For the entire presentation, click here.

"Episodic."

The Commissioner's snapshot of the next six years also included:

• A $2 billion or 72% reduction in the highway construction program.
• A $348 million or 13% reduction in VDOT maintenance and operations program.
• A $391 million or 15% reduction in administrative and support programs.
• Elimination of state formula distributions because there are not enough funds to allocate by district.
• Reduction of maintenance growth factor for cities and counties from 4% to 3% per year.

Two decades ago, Virginia had one of the nation's finest transportation programs.

Two decades of state under-investment have emaciated the program to the point where investments in major improvements will be "episodic."

Candidates of both political parties frequently cite the Commonwealth as being ranked the best managed and best state in which to do business.

However, absent bipartisan commitment and cooperation to secure new, dedicated, reliable transportation funding, the Commonwealth's new tourism slogan soon will be --