Chesterfield leaders asked members of Congress this morning for help funding transportation needs.

Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, and Rep. John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, met with the Board of Supervisors and county officials to hear about the county's priorities. Boozman is a ranking member on the subcommittee that reviews road projects.

In addition to asking for help with a $57 million widening of State Route 10, the county requested assistance with an Interstate 295 interchange at Meadowville Technology Park.

The county claims the 1,400-acre, county-owned industrial park could attract major companies and many jobs for the region with better access.

The project would cost about $40 million, the county estimates. Chesterfield has already secured $3.5 million from the federal government, and the Chesterfield business community has offered to cover half the cost by raising the cap on the county's business license tax.

The state has not offered assistance.

-- Wesley P. Hester