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By BILL WALSH
Rappahannock News Special Writer
Virginians will vote on three public-facility bond referanda on the Nov. 3 ballot, and as the election approaches there seems to be virtually no opposition to the $613 million trio.
The bond package is the third issue of general obligation bonds proposed statewide in Virginia. If this package is passed by the voters, ed. ucational institutions will benefit by $472.4 million, the state’s mental health program will receive $45.2 million and parks and natural resources will get a $95.4 million boost.
Virginia is one of only five states that has an “AAA” rating, according to the Virginians for Progress Foundation, which is backing the bond package. The bonds will not jepoardize that rating by causing the Commonwealth to exceed debt-torevenue ratios.
Virginians will see immediate economic benefits in addition to the capital improvements if the bonds are passed, according to Foundation studies. Approximately 3,600 new jobs will be created, generating $22 million in additional general-fund revenues.
The $472.4 million bond for education includes funding for 95 projects, of which 59 will add space for students and faculty, 27 involve renovations to existing facilities, and
91.3%