Legislation would extend light rail to Virginia Beach

RICHMOND

As a train whistle sounded from someone's computer, legislation aimed at extending a light rail system now under construction in Norfolk to within blocks of the Oceanfront steamed out of a House committee on Wednesday.

But there could be trouble 'round the bend.

There's no clear plan to finance the extension or a clear idea of how much it will cost. Those glitches don't sit well with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's administration.

Undaunted, the House Transportation Committee unanimously approved legislation that would require the state in about 90 days to begin soliciting construction bids for the project.

HB6028 is being advanced by two Virginia Beach Republicans: Del. Bob Tata and Sen. Frank Wagner. Tata told the panel that the extension has been debated for years by public officials. "It's time to move," he said.

A $232 million rail stretching 7.4 miles from downtown Norfolk to Newtown Road, called The Tide, is scheduled to begin operation in early 2010. Tata said he envisions the extension running to the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Under his bill, the extension would be built with public and private funds. The legislation calls on the state to seek a private partner to build the extension. In theory, the company would recoup its investment and a profit by getting a cut of the rider fares.

But Charles Badger, deputy director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, told the committee there are too many unknowns about the project to solicit private investment.

"Right now, for the private sector to step in, they would have to update the planning and the environmental work," he said. "They'd have to take on design and engineering and get a good idea of the cost, and they would really not be in a good position to assume the risk of this project."

Tata said a significant portion of the extension could be paid for by the state's rail enhancement fund. Badger, however, said the project has not been put on any long-range state planning documents and Virginia Beach has not indicated it would be willing to match money it might receive from the rail enhancement fund, as required by law.

It is also unknown whether enlisting a private partner would jeopardize the chance of getting federal money for the extension. Tata introduced the bill without telling Virginia Beach officials. Despite their surprise, several City Council members were encouraged by the legislation.

"When you have folks on the state level who are looking out for local government, it's great," City Councilman John Uhrin said. "If somebody's going to give you a gift, whether you ask for it or not, it's still a gift."

Virginia Beach City Council members have reopened discussions about light rail in the past year. The council is trying to acquire the Norfolk-Southern right of way, but council members haven't voted on whether Virginia Beach would use the land for light rail or another form of transportation.

The city's master plan for the Oceanfront envisions light rail coming to the Convention Center. Uhrin and Councilman Jim Wood, who both serve on the Hampton Roads Transit board, have also discussed holding town hall meetings to gauge community interest in light rail.

Those meetings are likely to be held in late summer or early fall, Uhrin said.

Although voters rejected a light rail plan in 1999, sentiment seems to be shifting, Wood said.

"I am hearing resoundingly positive feedback from citizens because of the high gas prices," Wood said.

In order for light rail to extend into Virginia Beach, Norfolk would have to be willing to build spurs to Norfolk Naval Station and Old Dominion University, Wood said.

"For light rail to work for Virginia Beach, it has to take Virginia Beach citizens to destinations they desire."

Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com

Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com