Virginia City Approves Bonds for Asphalt Plant

The city of Virginia Beach, Va., recently approved a $2.2 million bond for Asphalt Roads and Materials Co. Inc. to build a new asphalt plant, as well as other improvements at the facility’s site. The bonds will be tax-free industrial development bonds.

The state of Virginia requires the city to endorse the bonds, which apply to manufacturing, health care and non-profit 5013C organizations.

The new plant, to be completed by Feb. 1, is the third for Asphalt Roads. The current one is 20 years old. When built, it was state of the art because it recycled old asphalt into a reusable product.

The new facility will increase the amount of asphalt that will be capable of being produced, as well as boost the recycling of old asphalt.

According to local press reports, the new plant is 15 - 20 percent more efficient, is completely computerized and much more environmentally friendly. It calibrates itself to the mix that is running and will shut itself down if there's a problem. It can also recycle at a higher rate and store up to 250 mix designs.

In addition, three silos will be able to store 200 tons of ready asphalt each. A new bag house, which keeps the air clean, will also be installed.

Once the new facility is complete the older asphalt plant will be shuttered.