High Speed Rail in Hampton Roads, or are we a cul-de-sac?

With the availability of more than $9.3 billion in federal stimulus money set aside for faster trains, the state is evaluating its rail options. Hampton Roads regional officials are pushing for high-speed passenger train service to Hampton Roads.

Mayor Paul Fraim has argued that the southern route makes better sense because the Southside has nearly 70% of the region’s population and a higher concentration of employment centers and military and port operations. The train could connect with Norfolk’s light rail line – now under construction – at a multi-modal center at Harbor Park. "It is the single most important transportation issue for the region's future," Fraim said.


Newport News Mayor Joe Frank has said, "I'd like to see if we can get high-speed rail to both the Peninsula and Southside," Frank said. "We need to do that cooperatively, so it's not an either-or kind of approach."

Leaving Hampton Roads out of a high-speed rail network, officials say, would further isolate Hampton Roads, possibly dealing a serious blow to the region's economy. The region was bypassed by the interstate highway system when the Virginia sections of Interstates 95 and 85 were built. But because the region is divided by water, serving both the Peninsula and South Hampton Roads may be prohibitively expensive.

"That's going to be a tough vote for the region," said Dana Dickens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Partnership. "And it very likely could generate some difficult positions for people."

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT ) is working on a study of the alternatives for connecting Hampton Roads to Richmond and the rest of the nation via higher-speed rail (maximum speeds of 90 mph). A draft should be available by summer, after which public hearings would be scheduled.


State officials have said that before high-speed rail comes to Hampton Roads, the Washington, D.C.-to-Richmond segment must be completed. From Richmond, the rail could go south to North Carolina or east to Hampton Roads, or both.

"If it goes to North Carolina without coming to Hampton Roads, that would be a real blow to us," the Partnership's Dickens said. "It's going to be incumbent on all the 1.6 million people of Hampton Roads and the elected officials to get behind whatever the decision is on a preferred route so we do get service."

Excerpts from The Virginian-Pilot, Debbie Messina, reporter.
Graphics from DRPT.

Mayor Fraim says, “This is a crisis of the first order …”

Photo by City of Norfolk

Highlights of Mayor Paul D. Fraim’s State of the City address made on February 6, 2009 at the Marriott Waterside:

Norfolk faces a budget deficit of up to $10 million this year and more than $40 million in the next fiscal year. While there is bad news, there are many new, large construction projects in play.

New construction in Norfolk, from light rail to the $170 million Wachovia Center office tower to four large apartment projects, will total $1.1 billion in 2009. Additionally, new building projects will, hopefully, soon start on the campuses of Old Dominion, Norfolk State and Eastern Virginia Medical School as well as the 26-story downtown Westin Hotel and convention center. Few cities our size have this amount of construction in play to keep people working, to keep companies in business and put money back into the economy. This will serve as a bridge until nationwide recovery begins.

Of high importance is the General Assembly’s refusal to provide revenue for transportation improvements in all of Hampton Roads. We have a regional plan approved by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, but no funding.

For decades, Virginia has distributed funds for the construction and improvement of roads in its cities through a defined urban allocation program. This is the primary source of money for Norfolk to improve local roads, and it is dwindling. The allocation to Norfolk, which was $14.7 million in 1996, shrank to $5.8 million dollars this year and will drop to less than $3.5 million dollars next year. VDOT is now advising Virginia cities there will be no urban allocation at all as soon as 2010.

Not only is there no money for a regional transportation network, soon there will be none for local roads within Norfolk and every other city in Virginia. There will be no money for congestion relief, no money for economic expansion and only a few dollars for pot holes.

This is a crisis of the first order and must be addressed as a serious problem by state lawmakers. The free flow of commerce is key to our economic prosperity. With over 200,000 jobs in the city, nearly half are filled by commuters. If we accomplish nothing else, we MUST find a solution to the transportation funding gridlock.

State aid also comprises 41% of Norfolk’s general fund, paying for basic services like schools, public safety, road maintenance, social services and support for constitutional offices. More than $5 million in state aid reductions will need to be absorbed in Norfolk’s operating budget in the current fiscal year and another $22.5 million in next year’s budget due to the state’s budget shortfall.

Approximately 75% of the budget is related to personnel cost. Some downsizing of the workforce can be expected as well as the continuation of the current hiring freeze.

The region’s economy is projected to outperform the State and national economies in 2009. And, the historically insulating effect of the military and the Port should keep recession at bay. Defense spending rose 4.5 to 4.9% over the last two years, and this year it’s expected to increase by another 4.5%.

Hampton Roads was one of only seven large U.S. metropolitan areas adding jobs in 2008. Our workforce grew by nearly 1.5%, leading Northern Virginia in job growth as a percentage of the workforce. Source: U.S. Labor Department.

Other new work includes the consolidated courts complex and a new $50 million central library (will be the most technologically advanced library in the country).

Revenues are down at the Port for the first time in 30 years and falling cargo volumes has delayed the start of construction of Craney Island.

We’ve hired a Manager of Environmental Protection Programs to lead efforts to incorporate sustainability into municipal operations, and new city buildings are being designed to meet industry standards for green building.

Norfolk’s downtown has come a long way since 1980 resulting in new office buildings, new hotels and educational assets , new retail and residential development , a growing tax base valued at $1.6 billion generating $18 million annually in revenue.

Last year, Norfolk experienced our highest hotel revenues ever (approximately $105 million).

The Tide (light rail) will begin service next year with downtown access greatly improved and new development will occur around transit stops.

Ghent will see the completion of “201 at 21,” a $41 million development of 212 apartment units, 15,000-plus square feet of retail and parking.

Much community redevelopment is going on in the city, but there is still more to do – the crime rate needs to be lower, homeownership rates need to be higher and code enforcement better. City council has approved a Youth Violence Prevention Initiative led by a Task Force that will include citizen representation; the effort will take a comprehensive approach emphasizing prevention, intervention and suppression. City-wide, the violent crime rate remained flat. And we were all gratified that the murder rate dropped 42%.

Real progress continues at this three-year juncture into Norfolk’s ten-year plan to end homelessness. Families account for 20% of our homeless population, a number as high as 40% elsewhere in the region. In answer, the Faith Partnership, has been launched, an initiative to help support homeless families as they move from crisis to self-sufficiency by drawing on the talent and experience in the faith community. To date, 11 congregations have signed on as partners. This year our hope is to more closely involve our business community in this effort.

Secondary Education:
Last year, a $4.7 million grant from the Norfolk Foundation allowed Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads to launch school readiness plans in Norfolk and four neighboring cities to help children start school ready to learn. Student achievement continues to improve. 44 of Norfolk’s 49 public schools have earned full SOL accreditation – that’s 90%. All five high schools are fully accredited, all but one of the division’s elementary schools and 5 of the 9 middle schools. There is work underway to bring them into compliance.

Educational accolades and awards:
• Newsweek Magazine ranked Granby and Maury in the top 5% of public high schools for the 2nd year.
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cited Granby H.S. as one of three schools nationwide providing high-level math classes to help prepare students to be college and career-ready.
• U. S. Department of Education named Ocean View Elementary as one of 11 schools in Virginia (only school in Hampton Roads) a 2008 “No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. “
• Terrel H. Bell Award for School Leadership went to Ocean View’s principal, Lauren Campsen, one of only five principals from 320 Blue Ribbon schools.
• “No Child Left Behind American Star of Teaching Award” from the U. S. Department of Education went to Booker T. Washington High School teacher Shameka Hardy, one of only 51 educators to be honored.
• Virginia Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence went to Poplar Hall Elementary, Willoughby Elementary and the School of International Studies at Meadowbrook.

Higher Education:
The Downtown Norfolk campus of Tidewater Community College (with an enrollment increase of 13+% last year) is growing with a $17.6 million student center building starting in the spring.
Eastern Virginia Medical School marked its 35th anniversary in 2008 and is moving forward on a state-of-the-art education and research building, allowing enrollment to grow nearly 30% to help meet the demand.

At ODU’s Innovation Research Park, a $27.8 million student fitness center has just opened, and construction is underway on the second building. A new student counseling center and improvements to the university’s arts center are in the planning stage.

Norfolk State University is scheduled to break ground for a $47 million library and a $28 million student center. Planning for a new nursing building is presently underway while a state-of-the-art police headquarters opened over the summer.

U.S. News and World Report named Virginia Wesleyan one of the country’s best liberal arts colleges and the Princeton Review labeled VWU the Best Southeastern College.

“It is the strength of your commitment that energizes me and my fellow city council members and that makes it a privilege to serve you,” ended Mayor Fraim.

The full text of Mayor Fraim’s speech may be found on the City of Norfolk’s website: http://www.norfolk.gov/City_Hall/soc/2009/2009.pdf

Leadership During Tough Economic Times

by Donna Morris, Executive Vice President of the Hampton Roads Partnership

“We are absolutely joined at the hip by geography and economy,” said Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim. “Everyday, it becomes more clear that we will weather this economic downturn together or not at all.”

Three distinguished Mayors from Hampton Roads came together to discuss “Leadership During Tough Economic Times” as part of Regent University’s Executive Leadership Series.

The Honorable Paul Fraim, Mayor of Norfolk and a founding member of the Hampton Roads Partnership, began the discussion by sharing a few of the impacts a downturn in the economy will have on his city. He said despite the fact the regional economy is outperforming the nation these will be very challenging times for local governments. The City of Norfolk is looking at a $35 million gap in their operating budget. The Constitution requires localities to have balanced budgets so cuts will be inevitable. Personnel costs make up roughly 75% of the city’s total expenditures. In tough times like these programs will be reduced or totally eliminated. Currently the city is conducting a fundamental review of all services, looking to preserve the most essential.

Mayor Fraim says tough times provide us with an opportunity to reinvent how we do business – looking at ways to be more cost effective, redefining levels of service that is data driven , and tapping the resourcefulness found in employees. City employees can be a great source of ideas when it comes to improving services and becoming more efficient in delivering those services. The public also will play a key role in helping to set priorities.

He noted that 35% of Norfolk’s land is off the tax rolls, there is a higher poverty level and older housing stock. City priorities include education, public safety, new mass transit, and downtown revitalization.

Norfolk is looking to work with other communities in the region to share best practices, whether in the area of human services or transportation. Finding ways to be more efficient through shared services such as employee health insurance or marketing/promotional efforts. A prime example of the value of working together has been the collaborative effort to end homelessness, involving several communities in the region.

The closure of the Jordan Bridge coupled with the rebuilding of the Gilmerton Bridge (due to commence in May) is an important and necessary to connect the workforce with jobs. Mayor Fraim presented the statistics that point to the fact our economies are interwoven – 65,000 jobs in Norfolk are filled by residents of Virginia Beach and 30,000 from Chesapeake, in other words 43% of Norfolk’s workforce comes from these neighboring cities. Sixteen percent of Norfolk’s residents drive to Chesapeake and Virginia Beach to work.

“We are joined at the hip by geography and economy. We must work closely as a region – we are in this together,” stated Mayor Fraim. “What is good for Virginia Beach and Chesapeake is good for Norfolk. What helps one – helps all.”

Virginia Beach Mayor, The Honorable William Sessoms reinforced the point that it is vital to work together – sharing ideas and collaborating on strategies for the good of all. He said Hampton Roads is fortunate to be faring better than most regions because of the federal presence.

Mayor Sessoms described the city’s plan to focus on preserving their AAA bond rating; doing more with less; increasing partnerships (like the homelessness initiative, light rail, support for the Regional Transportation Plan; Economic Development focused on creating higher paying jobs); new transit; supporting the military; and, remaining true to the vision.

The Mayor noted how critically important the military presence is to our economy, representing 45% of our gross regional product. He stated “We must support the Outlying Landing Field (OLF) – it is a National Security issue, it’s not about Virginia Beach.” He also said we must support Little Creek and work hard to keep nuclear aircraft carriers based in Norfolk.

He said the City of Virginia Beach remains true to the a vision that includes shaping future growth, seeking public input and learning from the success of neighboring communities. He concluded by saying “Let us become the model for others to follow.”

Mayor Alan Krasnoff from the City of Chesapeake is also a charter member of the Hampton Roads Partnership Board. In 1996 Mayor Krasnoff was a member of Chesapeake City Council , serving as chair of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC). He said Chesapeake, as with other communities of the region, is fortunate, but not immune to the financial challenges of the times. He said we must have “faith to weather the storm.”

Mayor Krasnoff stated the times afford us the opportunity to redefine the core of our cities with the leadership necessary to seize the challenges. The times demand the need to form consensus (referring to it as an essential tool to use).

He discussed some of the differences between politics and governance – like “playing it safe” versus “saying no” if that is best course of action. He emphasized the importance of focusing on issues and opportunities rather than competing. He suggested consolidating services where it makes sense noting the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) was a good idea, a way to meet a common need with a regional approach. Their recent troubles stemming from a lack of oversight doesn’t mean we need to give up on the good idea.

Regent University‘s Executive Director of Advancement and University Events Baxter Ennis tossed out the idea of bringing all of the region’s mayors and chairs together for a similar event next year.

The Mayors speaking at this event were passionate and sincere in their commitment to regional cooperation. It was afternoon well spent.

Bon Secours and City of Norfolk, Collaboration of HRP Board Members

Courtesy Lynne Zultanky, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health Center - Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations Working Together for Better Health Care, Quality and Ministry Grow in Hampton Roads

Photo: Michael Kerner (left), CEO of Bon Secours Hampton Roads, and Mayor Paul Fraim, City of Norfolk

Bon Secours Richmond and Bon Secours Hampton Roads have always been aligned through their shared mission of bringing compassionate care to all. Now, Richmond and Hampton Roads share more than the Bon Secours mission – Bon Secours has created the fourth largest integrated health care system in Virginia, bringing more financial and clinical resources to the region.

Patients will have access to new services and programs as Bon Secours Virginia strengthens its presence in Hampton Roads. These include services for women and children, oncology, cardiology and orthopedics as well as other programs to better serve our community. You will soon begin noticing upgrades in Bon Secours Hampton Roads, including everything from the aesthetics of facilities to the technology used in your diagnosis. Bon Secours is investing in state-of-the-art technology, such as CT scanners, MRI units, radiation therapy equipment and surgery equipment.

While the proper tools and programs are essential to providing award-winning health care, Bon Secours is also focusing on its most important resources – high-caliber nurses and medical staff. Clinical expertise and strong leaders will be key in expanding programs and services successfully. Excellence in nursing is a particular focus, with Bon Secours setting a goal to achieve Magnet status in the next two years. Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior nursing and will put Bon Secours Hampton Roads among the top-tier of acute care institutions.

City of Norfolk Backs Bon Secours’ Plan for New DePaul Medical Center

When the City of Norfolk asked Bon Secours for a larger presence in Norfolk, Bon Secours responded with a revised proposal for a 124-bed Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center that enhanced the hospital’s capacity to provide quality care to Norfolk residents.

At an August 25 press conference, the Honorable Paul Fraim, Mayor of Norfolk, and Michael Kerner, CEO of Bon Secours Hampton Roads, solidified the agreement to modify the Certificate of Public Need to replace Bon Secours DePaul.

“The city is fully supportive of the proposition set forth by Bon Secours and Michael Kerner,” said Mayor Fraim. “I want to thank all of our friends at Bon Secours. I know how important you are to this community and what you mean to the hospital. This is Norfolk’s hospital.”

With Bon Secours and the City of Norfolk united, Bon Secours prepared amended Certificates of Public Need for a new Bon Secours DePaul facility and in-patient hospitals on Bon Secours’ outpatient campuses in Suffolk and Virginia Beach.

Kerner also announced plans to improve the existing Bon Secours DePaul until Bon Secours receives state approval and opens the new hospital in 2013. Bon Secours is committed to improving the infrastructure of Bon Secours DePaul, investing in new programs and technology, as well as making aesthetic improvements.

VDOT's Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Meeting

by Russell Manning
(including photo credit)

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim addresses the group.

Dennis W. Heuer (VDOT Hampton Roads District Administrator), Pierce R. Homer (Virginia Secretary of Transportation), and Randy Boice (Project Manager) addressed a group of citizens and elected officials at Granby High School in Norfolk, VA tonight. The first of two meetings was held last week at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA.

Mr. Boice gave very detailed, informative explanations of each alternative including the strengths and weaknesses of each as follows:

Alternative 1: at $2.2 Billion was the least costly, but would not meet Federal Highway requirements prohibiting two-way traffic within the same undivided tunnel.

Alternative 2: meets Federal Highway requirements for minimal extra cost (adds $100 Million) by making the middle tube reversible during rush hour, however the traffic pattern on I-64 does not allow for reversible lanes. There is equal traffic in each direction, making it difficult to reverse the lanes.

Alternatives #3 and #4 are the two most practical and the most costly at $3.3 Billion each.

Alternative 3: constructs a four-lane tunnel to accommodate all east-bound traffic and converts both existing tubes to carry only west-bound traffic.

Alternative 4: constructs a four-lane tunnel and reserve a lane in each direction to be used for a dedicated right-of-way transit service, either a bus way or, more preferably (in Secretary Homer’s opinion), an extension for the Light rail line.

Alternative 5: constructs a two-lane suspension bridge, a mile in length and high enough for cargo ships and aircraft carriers to pass underneath. It would require reversible lanes, which not only fails the Federal Highway regulations but, due to the lower speed needed for the two-lane tube, the time benefit is shown not be worth the money spent. It also has “adverse … aerodynamics,” similar to the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which collapsed in Washington State four months after it opened in 1940. Proper reinforcement would bring this bridge to the same cost as a four-lane bridge. (see #6)

Alternative 6: constructs a four-lane suspension bridge, which saves $100 million over the four-lane tunnel option. However, it was noted that the Navy would never approve it. Constructing a bridge over the only exit for the majority of the Atlantic Fleet would be a terrorist attack waiting to happen, also adding fuel to Florida’s case to move aircraft carriers away from Hampton Roads.


Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff and Councilman Dr. Richard W. West attended.

Comments following the VDOT presentation included:

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who objected to any and all plans to widen HRBT, stating that the region has already determined that the Third Crossing was the best option, better during an evacuation, a plus for military mobility, and it would draw traffic away from the HRBT, lessening traffic jams. Any HRBT widening project in the current footprint would disrupt the Willoughby area.

Senator John Miller and Delegate Paula Miller were present to support the project, stating that we need to plan for the future and not just alleviate current problems. Delegate Miller inquired if the HRBT project or the Third Crossing would be eligible to receive funding under the proposed stimulus programs from President-elect Barack Obama. Mr. Homer replied that neither project would be eligible as they are not ready for immediate construction.

Bobby Mathieson of Virginia Beach stressed that the community needs to continue to talk about solutions. Virginia Beach’s Vice Mayor Louis Jones stated that he did not support any project that was not previously supported by the MPO.

Norfolk councilman Randy Wright took a minute to publicly thank Mr. Homer for supporting the Norfolk Light Rail project.

Hampton councilwoman Angela Leary stressed that as a supporter of personal property rights, she would like to discuss further alternatives with Norfolk and the Peninsula.

Mr. Homer strongly supports a multi-modal tube in any expansion to make it more attractive to the Region.



Russell is a Political Science major at ODU and Hampton Roads Magazine Top Ten Blogger, and we thank him for his continued reporting.
http://757HamptonRoads.blogspot.com