Since this post at 7:00AM this morning the Virginian Pilot has reported the following:
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RICHMOND - The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved today a proposal to extend the light rail system now under construction in Norfolk to within blocks of the Oceanfront. The measure now goes before the full House of Delegates. The legislation was introduced by Del. Robert Tata and state Sen. Frank Wagner with little apparent discussion with local elected city leaders.
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Barack Obama's position as the Democratic Part nominee has brought issues of racism to the fore in national politics, but it's an issue locally as well and shows itself in many ways. In the Norfolk area, it has long played a subtle factor in why the area has been so slow to build a light rail system. Ultimately, Norfolk has decided to forge ahead alone since Virginia Beach has in the past opposed any light rail system that ran from Norfolk out towards the Virginia Beach oceanfront. While many reasons have been floated - even though the commute into downtown Norfolk or the Norfolk Naval base from Virginia Beach is often a nightmare- the real reason has never been widely stated: the Virginia Beach hotel owners and other heavy hitters in Virginia Beach feared blacks from Norfolk riding the light rail to the oceanfront. Now, amazingly two Republican state legislators (both of whom I know personally) are pushing to force the extension of light rail service into Virginia Beach, I commend them on their common sense and courage to defy the racists in their city. Finally, someone who wants to see Virginia Beach run for the benefit of other citizens besides the hotel owner group. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot:
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Two Republican legislators from Virginia Beach have introduced a bill that would extend the light rail system now under construction in Norfolk to within blocks of the Oceanfront. The legislation was put in by Del. Robert Tata and state Sen. Frank Wagner with little apparent discussion with local elected city leaders. “It’s time for this to happen, whether they favor it or not,” Tata said Tuesday.
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Tata and Wagner are calling for a major expansion of a $232.1 million rail system already under construction that will run 7.4 miles from downtown Norfolk to Newtown Road. The Tide is expected to begin operating in early 2010. Tata said he envisions the rail running all the way to the Virginia Beach Convention Center. He said it would offer a hassle-free commute to those who live in Virginia Beach and work in downtown Norfolk. “You’d be foolish to drive in,” he said. “I-264 right now is sort of like a race track , it’s so dangerous. Why fight that kind of battle? You could train in and save on parking fees.”
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Under the bill, HB6028, the extension would be built with public and private money . The legislation calls on the state to solicit a private partner. The company would theoretically recoup its investment and a profit by being given a contract to run the rail and charge riders a fare.
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Michael Townes, HRT president, said he was surprised but encouraged by the bill. “We’re excited that Del. Tata understands that extending The Tide into Virginia Beach is important to Virginia Beach and the region of Hampton Roads,” he said. “Whether this bill passes or not, the indication is that our General Assembly members are understanding of light rail and are trying to find ways to be supportive.” Townes said he has no position yet on whether a public-private partnership is the best approach.
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