Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has outlined a plan to reduce costs associated with reopening 19 rest areas and welcome centers in Virginia that had been shuttered last July.

McDonnell is directing the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to look into cutting maintenance contracting costs, bundling signage and advertising space to attract private sponsors for the areas, and using grants to develop scenic/historic highway programs.

VDOT “welcomes any additional ideas from the public and the private sectors to provide these critical customer services more efficiently,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton.