MIDDLEBURG'S TOWN COUNCIL unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Western Transportation Corridor concept in general and specifically registered firm opposition to adoption of the proposal to restore the Corridor concept to Loudoun County's comprehensive countywide transportation plan which was drafted in 2001.

Five reasons were cited for the Town Council's opposition:

-The Western Transportation Corridor, particularly with a river crossing in the vicinity of Route 15, will encourage additional suburban or urban style development jeopardizing the County's efforts to retain agricultural and open space uses in Western Loudoun County and in transition areas.

-No viable option has been presented that includes a river crossing east of Route 15 and there seems to be no support for a river crossing anywhere in Maryland. To receive endorsement, the plan must include a viable and acceptable river crossing.

-Numerous difficulties with the proposed Western Transportation Corridor alignment include significant citizen opposition from residents who would be most affected by construction of the Western Transportation Corridor.

-No alignment recommendation to date has met with the Council's approval and the members oppose any plan that recommends alternative alignment on or west of Route 15.

-Town Council members agreed that further study of the WTC will divert funding from other vital transportation projects throughout the Commonwealth and in Loudoun County.

The Council also passed a resolution supporting an amendment to the Loudoun County Revised General Plan to address Healthcare Facilities provided that the amendment incorporates the following or similar locational criteria for healthcare facilities and the plan amendment must support the Healthcare Facilities Plan Amendment to the Loudoun County RGP.

The Middleburg Town Council confirmed its support for all efforts to improve the accessibility of healthcare services to citizens of the Town of Middleburg and public and private efforts to bring hospital services, diagnostic services, out-patient facilities and urgent care facilities to appropriate locations that best serve, Western Loudoun County.

The Council underscored their appreciation for the efforts of Loudoun Healthcare Incorporated, Inc. to provide non-profit healthcare facilities to the citizens of Middleburg and Western Loudoun County.

Middleburg Town Council does not endorse any specific healthcare provider, nor does it support any specific hospital location without complete evaluation of proposals which express sensitivity to local concern, respect for municipal planning policies and zoning regulations.

The Council does recommend the inclusion of local criteria in the County's Comprehensive Plan to better evaluate the appropriateness of potential healthcare facilities and proposed hospital sites.

Council members suggest that such criteria address the following:

-Projected service needs for underserved and targeted populations, with the primary focus being Loudoun residents;

-The adequacy of the local and regional transportation networks to provide safe, quick and easy access to medical facilities and to minimize traffic conflicts that may be generated by emergency service vehicles;

-The availability of public utilities such as central sewer and water to the site;

-Compatibility with adjacent land uses;

-The relationship of proposed facilities to approved and existing hospital sites and facilities, including facilities approved by the State Health Commission;