THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 6, 1995 TAG: 9506060260
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALEX MARSHALL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Virginia Beach responded Monday to a full-page advertisement in Sunday's editions of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Start giving Norfolk's perspective on the current impasse over the Lake Gaston pipeline.
The prepared statement by Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf offered the Beach's version of the Lake Gaston dispute, as well as how a proposed agreement between North Carolina and Virginia Beach had been reached.
Virginia Beach contested some of Norfolk's charges and offered a different history or context to others. For example, Oberndorf said the 60-day deadline Norfolk protested was necessary to reach a speedy settlement, and that it should be ``ample time to discuss and settle outstanding issues.''
Virginia Beach also acknowledged that Norfolk was not included in the negotiations with North Carolina, but said only those parties involved in a lawsuit over Lake Gaston were included.
As to the key sticking point in the pact with North Carolina - restricting where Norfolk can sell its surplus water - Virginia Beach said North Carolina had insisted on it and noted that Norfolk would still be able to sell water within South Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina, which are its principal markets.
Although the statement challenged eight specific claims by Norfolk, it also attempted to set a conciliatory tone.
``It is important for all citizens of Hampton Roads to remember that everyone is pursuing the same goal, a safe and reliable water source for our region,'' the statement said. ``Norfolk continues to acknowledge its support for Lake Gaston, and we appreciate that.'' MEMO: Main article on page B1. Statement from Mayor Oberndorf included with
main article.
KEYWORDS: LAKE GASTON PIPELINE WATER SUPPLY PLAN by CNB