THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 14, 1996 TAG: 9610120021
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 43 lines
Once again, a light-rail proposal is on the right track, but many miles are left to go, most uphill.
We hope the proposal proves to be the Little Engine That Could. Many major cities have or are getting light rail. In these hypercompetitive times, Hampton Roads cannot afford to be left at the station.
Light-rail supporters heaved a sigh of relief last July when the Virginia Beach City Council demanded several changes in the light-rail proposal, rather than vote against it outright.
On Tuesday, Norfolk City Council met Virginia Beach demands, agreeing to acquire rights of way for links to Norfolk Naval Base and Norfolk International Airport at the same time the first phase - 18 miles from the Oceanfront to downtown Norfolk - is built.
Virginia Beach was right to insist on this expansion, and Norfolk was right to have agreed. For maximum utility, the line must include the airport and Naval Base. Next, Virginia Beach must endorse a federally funded study of the TRT project. The study would take about 18 months and cost up to $4 million. The first phase of the project would cost $375 million to build, probably an impossibility unless federal funds can be found.
Virginia Beach Councilman William D. Sessoms discounted the fear that Virginia Beach council members would vote against the project because of the city's water disputes with Norfolk.
``We asked Norfolk and TRT to do certain things,'' Sessoms said, ``and certainly if they have complied with our requests, I expect us to move forward.''
Imagine the personal savings if a good light-rail system enabled a family to make do with one car. Imagine the lanes that will have to be added to the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway if alternative ways of getting to work are not developed. Imagine the commercial development that typically occurs around light-rail stops.
A light-rail system is not needed this instant, but it will be in years ahead. If we don't move forward with light rail now, we'll regret it soon enough.
KEYWORDS: LIGHT-RAIL SYSTEM TRT by CNB