f # tion on 1-66. We’ve got to look

tion on 1-66. We’ve got to look at how to mitigate that impact,” Tumlin said, adding that he and other federal transportation officials are “reasonably sure” that the additional lanes will help mitigate the impact of the interchange. “But we won’t know for sure until we get the study.”

At a meeting last Wednesday at the FHA’s Washington, D.C. office, Tumlin said Disney’s own statements led officials to decide to mandate the full environmental review. “There were statements made on several occasions by Disney, about how critical the package was, and statements ... that there was no deal if they couldn’t get the transportation package.”

Both Disney Co. chairman Michael Eisner and senior vice president Mark Pacala threatened to move the theme park elsewhere if the General Assembly killed Gov. George Allen’s $163 million financial aid package, which included $131.5 million in transportation bonds.

Although both the House and Senate initially slashed Allen’s plan the full package eventually passed, including $49.1 million in improvements specifically earmarked for the Disney project.

Any delay in opening the park could affect the state’s ability to pay the annual $6.7 million in debt service on the bonds, which it plans to recoup from increased gasoline and sales taxes paid by Disney’s America visitors. Disney has guaranteed the $3.8 million in debt service for the bonds directly benefiting the park, but expects state tax revenue will more than cover the costs of the aid.

Disney spokeswoman Mary Anne Reynolds said she had no comment on the connection between Disney officials’ remarks and the FHA decision. She said it is “highly unusual for this kind of a decision to occur so early in the process.” Ms. Reynolds said Disney’s plans remain unchanged.

“It is not clear what the review

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