To the Editor:

On Aug. 19, at the Isle of Wight annual Farm Bureau membership meeting in Smithfield, the membership unanimously passed a resolution that clarifies its position on the construction of Route 460. The resolution reads as follows: “Since agriculture represents Virginia’s largest industry, we oppose any construction of a new 460 that overtakes agricultural lands and hampers farmers’ ability to be self-sustainable in feeding and clothing our Country. However, we support necessary improvements in the existing 460.”

This policy was developed from the Southeast District Policy Meeting on March 18, 2014 and the following areas support this resolution: Chesapeake, Greensville, Isle of Wight, Nansemond (Suffolk), Southampton, Surry, Sussex and Virginia Beach.

Without extensive planning, farms will be cut in half; many families and homes will be displaced; businesses and small towns will be completely obscured.

The Isle of Wight Farm Bureau strongly encourages citizens with concerns to contact members of the Board of Supervisors, but more importantly members of the State General Assembly. Following are the phone numbers and email addresses of the State Representatives:

• Delegate Rosalyn Tyler — 75th district- Phone: (434) 336-1710 Email:DelRTyler@house.virginia.gov

• Delegate S. Chris Jones — 76th district – (757) 483-6242 Email:DelCJones@house.virginia.gov

• Delegate Rick Morris — 64th district-Phone: (757) 912-1644 Email:DelRMorris@house.virginia.gov

• Senator John Cosgrove — 14th district- Phone: (757) 547-3422 Email:district14@senate.virginia.gov

• Senator Louise Lucas — 18th district-Phone: (757) 397-8209 Email: Senlucas@aol.com or district18@senate.virginia.gov

Don’t delay! This is an important issue that affects all of us! Your state representatives need and want to hear from you.

Cecil S. Rhodes
Resolution Committee
Windsor