December 11, 2009

The Army's plan for a 15-story, 1,000-room military hotel at Fort Lee is on hold.

A congressional subcommittee decided this week to defer a decision on the Petersburg high-rise until the Department of Defense responds to dozens of questions raised by a local business group.

The Greater Tri-Cities Hospitality Coalition formed after the Army announced plans in August to build the hotel. The coalition is made up of hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers.

The subcommittee is seeking a range of answers from the Pentagon, including the demand for off-base rooms in the coming years.

Officials in the Petersburg area are banking on a big economic boost from the expansion of Fort Lee.