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SEVERAL RECENT letters to the editor indicate clear- ly that transportation in our region continues to be a key concern to numerous citizens. Of chief interest to many are the problems associated with commuting: The very same detachment from Washington that makes the Fredericksburg area a wonderful place to live unfortunately imposes a grinding, tiresome trip to and from work for those who seek for themselves and their families the quality of life this area has to offer.

I wholeheartedly agree with Stephen Despres' opinion, as stated in his letter to the editor ["Area roads are clogged, so why not try telecommuting?" Nov. 21] that telecommuting (also known as "telework") can be a tremendously beneficial transportation demand-management tool.

When combined with other transit and transportation initiatives, telework can be helpful in improving air quality and reducing emissions, and in preparing communities and businesses for continuity of operations in the event of an emergency or disaster.

In this region, we are fortunate to have a number of local, state, and federal government initiatives to increase the use of telework within the government and private-sector work force.

For example:

1) For over 12 years, the George Washington Regional Commission (formerly known as the Rappahannock Area Development Commission) has operated three telework centers along the Interstate 95 corridor, in cooperation with the U.S. General Services Administration. These facilities have served hundreds of commuters over the years, and are part of a 14-facility network in the Washington area.

The telework centers in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia provide a professional environment with high-speed Internet access and all the amenities of a regular office--but have the appeal of being one or two hours closer to the employee's residence. In addition, the staff of all 14 telework centers have been working quietly behind the scenes at federal agencies to educate managers about the benefits that telework can bring to their organizations.

Telework isn't just a family-friendly initiative--it can have a very positive impact on an organization's ability to meet its mission and objectives. For more information on these centers, please see nocommute.org and wmtc.org.