In a Daily Press article by Sabne Hirschauler on December 19, 2008, it was reported that the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Organization* voted to shift $3 million in Newport News light rail dollars to the city of Norfolk to cover current cost overruns as well as $1.5 million to Virginia Beach.Newport News had approximately $10.2 million in federal grant money for its light-rail study, which would have paid for preliminary engineering reports and environmental studies. Because of Newport News’ slim chances to get light rail anytime soon, Mayor Joe Frank agreed to the shift of funds so it could be used for the region. This is a long-term vision for a regional light rail system for a regional metropolitan area.
According to online commenters: when southside cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach have a functioning line, then the peninsula and Portsmouth should connect. Light rail would be successful region-wide because of its connectivity to a stable/viable light rail system. These things have to be done in order and in good measure.
* Federal regulations require that urbanized areas throughout the United States have a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to conduct a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process. Urbanized areas are defined as areas with a population of 200,000 or greater.
For the complete Daily Press article, click HERE.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment