WASHINGTON - The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow for the commercialization of rest areas along interstates, a move that violates federal law and one that interstate businesses ?" especially those at the exits ?" maintain threatens their livelihoods.

Responding to a DOT initiative requesting ways to streamline existing law, AASHTO, which represents state Departments of Transportation, recommended that DOT work to advance rest area commercialization, despite its prohibition under federal law.

AASHTO said that commercializing rest areas would generate state revenue at no cost to taxpayers. However, the Partnership to Save Highway Communities, a group representing interstate-based businesses, disagreed, citing a University of Maryland study that found 50 percent fewer businesses along interstates where commercial rest areas pre-dating the law were "grandfathered." Additionally, the Partnership said commercial rest areas would cost small businesses jobs, which would result in less tax revenue and ultimately higher prices for consumers.

"AASHTO??s claim that commercial rest areas represent a good business opportunity illustrates how out of touch government agencies are with the needs of businesses and local communities," said Lisa Mullings, President and CEO of NATSO, the trade association representing truck stops and travel plazas, and a member of the Partnership. "Furthermore, AASHTO??s recommendation is a slap in the face to lawmakers. Federal agencies do not have the authority to grant a waiver of federal law. Yet AASHTO is seeking to circumvent the legislative process."

The Partnership said commercial rest areas would funnel consumer dollars away from their businesses, a result of their prime location directly on the Interstate rights-of-way.

AASHTO urged DOT to circumvent the federal law by expanding a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program that addresses public-private partnerships and by allowing footpaths between interstate rest areas and commercial facilities located next to existing rest area properties.