The General Assembly this week approved forming a subcommittee to look at privatizing the state's three marine terminals in Hampton Roads.

Though the state-controlled Virginia Port Authority uses a subsidiary to operate its Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News terminals, private entities are investing in marine terminals elsewhere to capitalize on growing international trade.

Bringing that approach to Virginia could reduce the need for state dollars to pay for expensive port expansion projects.

The study also will examine whether the state's road and rail network is adequate to support the current and future needs of the port, one of Virginia's biggest economic engines.

Legislators authorized up to $27,200 to pay for the study, to be completed by the end of 2009. The panel will be made up of eight legislators and nine representatives of Virginia's maritime business community.

At least two other port-related bills also have been approved and await Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's signature:

n The Virginia Marine Resources Commission was authorized to grant easements and right of way for 463 acres of state-owned oyster beds off the east side of Portsmouth's Craney Island, allowing the Port Authority to build a $2.2 billion marine terminal.

n The authority was allowed to expand the jurisdiction of its police department beyond a terminal's boundary to enhance security, if agreed to by the city or county where the terminal is located.

Gregory Richards, (757) 446-2599, gregory.richards@pilotonline.com