The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the public to take part in a hearing on the potential tolling of Interstate 95.

Chamber President and CEO Allen Purser said while waiting for the public hearing, which will be held February 13 at The Centre Gallery at Halifax Community College from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the organization is drafting a resolution and coming up with information the public should ask state Department of Transportation officials about the matter.

In discussion with Lowe's Home Improvement officials Wednesday, Purser said the company is concerned that with the potential tolling to pay for improvements to the highway, it may have to focus on using ports in Georgia, rather than those in Norfolk and Wilmington. “With the widening of the Panama Canal, a lot more ships are going to be coming in.”

While it would not force the closure of the Lowe's distribution center in Garysburg, “It would hurt the Garysburg facility. A lot of companies get goods and services through our ports.”

Lowe's and KapStone are two local companies which could be affected by tolling.

Purser has been using social networking to spread the word about the upcoming public hearing. “We're trying to get folks to come. This is a time when people can make a difference. Now is the time they can have input.”

A recently released study goes into lengthy detail about the improvements that are needed on the interstate, including projected tolling fees to fund a 40-year improvement project.