Two cities have wish lists for Obama's economic team

Anticipating a windfall in federal money from President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package, Virginia Beach and Norfolk have submitted a list of almost 200 infrastructure projects they hope will qualify for the funds.

The projects include roads, bridges, schools, sewer and storm water systems and sand replenishment. The estimated cost is $1.3 billion.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors asked all the nation's cities to compile projects that are "shovel ready," could be built quickly and would create jobs to spur the ailing economy. Obama is expected to push for at least $350 billion in spending on infrastructure projects.

While the projects were not prioritized, big ticket items in Virginia Beach include $90 million to replace Lesner Bridge, $102 million to replace Kellam High School, $62.5 million to replace Great Neck Middle School and $30 million for a recreation center in Bayside.

The Beach submitted 86 projects estimated to cost $952 million.

Norfolk submitted 104 projects estimated to cost $363 million. The city wants more than $213 million to renovate 13 schools, including a $13.5 million expansion of Ocean View Elementary, which city officials have said is next in line for a makeover. A $49 million renovation of Lake Taylor High School is also on the list.

"If the federal government were to fix some of these school buildings, it would be a huge step forward for the city," Mayor Paul Fraim said.

The city also lists $4.5 million in light-rail improvements. City officials learned two weeks ago that its light-rail project is $56 million over budget.

Missing from the list are Norfolk's two major highway projects - a new Midtown Tunnel, expected to cost up to $1 billion, and a new Lansdale intersection at Military Highway and Princess Anne Road, a $100 million project. It would take years to design them, said John Keifer, the city's director of public works.

Local officials expect the money would first go to states, which would distribute it to localities. How much, if any, cities would get is unknown.

"Until the state figures out how they're going to administer the program, nobody knows," said Dave Hansen, a Beach deputy city manager.

Virginia Beach officials predicted their projects would create 7,900 jobs. Norfolk officials estimated their list would create 4,100 jobs.

Chesapeake, which has not completed its list, will push for money for Dominion Boulevard and a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in Deep Creek, said Mark Cox, city spokesman. Portsmouth and Suffolk also are not finished with their lists.

Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com