The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) held it's October meeting this afternoon in Hampton.
A Presentation was given by Rear Admiral Mark Boensel, Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. He covered the Navy's economic impact on the region ($14.69 billion directly in FY 2008), but - appropriately enough - Transportation. Boensel stated that the Navy advocates enhanced mass transit as a means of getting sailors and civilian personnel to and from their bases. Most importantly, Boensel made it clear that the United States Navy supports light rail in Hampton Roads! (Take that, VBTA: being anti-LRT is being anti-Navy!) In addition, the Navy likes The Third Crossing "in concept".
In September HRT ridership was up 6.59% over September, 2008.
HRT is $741,049 under Budget for FY 2010.
Sign that we're coming out of the recession? HRT is short 8 full-time Operators: 7 in Norfolk, 1 at Virginia Beach Base. HRT is chronically short Operators, but in recent months slots have been kept full by the poor job market.
Finally, a contract was awarded for station finishes on Norfolk's light rail line, which came in over $136,000 under budget.
21 comments:
Have any drawings of the station designs?
that's a heck of perk, the US Navy wants Light Rail in HR. lol
There are many, I among them, who have reservations concerning the current phase of the LRT study. Understandably, the follow-on phase 2 concerns transit from Norfolk to the Naval Base. Hence, is it prudent for Virginia Beach to proceed with Phase 1, if blessed by the FTA, without the assurance that Phase 2 will meet the approval and full funding criteria? Without that guarantee, the downtown Norfolk to Oceanfront line does little to alleviate the pressure on the Virginia Beach 264 through to 64.
Perhaps if Rear Admiral Boensel is genuine in his statement, and in truth, actually stands for a US Naval LRT position, he will document his verbal statements.
This commitment by “the Navy” would go far in this assurance and could be made a part of the Phase 1 SEIS. Further, since the LRT is highly desired by the Navy and reduces on-base parking and traffic congestion, will the armed service contribute funds to the operating costs? A statement of support is easily verbalized, but contribution to the solution is a commitment that is often a bitter pill denied.
Without something more substantial, I challenge the depth and veracity of the Admiral’s statement as more a personal opinion rather that a US Navy policy acknowledgment.
When is the Naval Station EIS supposed to begin? IS there a possibility we could have the extesion to Va Beach and to NOB constructed during the same time?
Wally,
Did Boensel blow your referendum farce out of the water? We have some nice parting gifts for you, which don't include the 85th District House of Delegates seat.
Anon 11:51,
The Alternatives Analysis for the Naval Station extension will take longer, as there will be many more possibilities.
Theoretically the construction schedules could be close, but Virginia Beach will probably be slightly ahead on the calendar.
Henry:
I don't get you? What does a referendum have to do with the Naval support of light rail? I merely suggest that rather than idol lip speak the Admiral endorse the project as an official position, and make it part of the SEIS. Henry, if you really want Light Rail you need to understand that the ridership figures may not be a slam dunk. Any positive inclusion in the study can't hurt.
As for the referendum, you only consider it a farce because you lack faith that it will past. I happen to disagree. I believe it will pass as long as the inclusion of the Naval Base is incorporated in the question. A passage of a referendum will solidify local support in the SEIS. There are other cities like Cincinnati and Detroit competing for new start funds. Local support and ridership figures are major considerations in allocating a finite availability of new start funds.
As to the 85th, your putting too much stock into "scuttlebutt". When that seat becomes available I'll be very content in being retired and spending time with my grandchildren.
Wally,
What Navy support means is that a referendum couldn't fail in this Navy area unless the pro-LRT side implodes crazily. So, no, with Navy support I am confident that a referendum question would pass.
That said, I'm dead set against a referendum, especially on the same ballot with City Council. First, a referendum puts Reid Greenmun's conspiracy theories and lies on the same level with actual facts and figures. Second, on the Council ballot it boosts VBTA Council candidates.
So Wally Erb,
You don't think anybody will ride LRT without the Naval Base extension?
I think you over estimate VBTA influence. Their executive committee candidate endorsements are off-base, lack current issue rationale, and level revenge for past tax oriented transgressions rather the needs for an office being sought. I'm preparing a piece on that for Monday as well as VP's Deeds endorsement.
Anon:
I didn't say that. But I strongly believe than with the Naval base segment assured, there wouldn't be any doubt the ridership figures will be more than acceptable. It would also possibly lay the groundwork for a possible airport segment. Let's face facts, the Oceanfront to EVMS is addressing a small percentage of workforce destinations. You need to think of light rail as a necessity rather than a "nice to have" convenience if you want to embrace majority community support.
Wally,
There are still some fools out there who take the VBTA seriously. Mostly the VBTA preys upon the ignorant to use them as cannon fodder.
The VBTA is like a mosquito buzzing you: it probably can't do you any serious harm, but still want to swat it dead to end the annoyance.
Is Wally seeing the light or something, or is this a smoke-and-mirrors hide-behind-a-bush thing?
Sarah,
Wally wants to pretend his VBTA front group is neutral on the light rail issue.
Of course, everyone knows it's nothing more the VBTA with a thin disguise. Erb hasn't done anything in 10 years in Virginia Beach politics without a permission slip from Robert Dean.
Sarah:
No smoke;no mirrors. And little too large to hide behind, or for that matter, in a bush, It's about doing the right thing for all the right reasons without self-serving impetus.
Henry, those that accept the majority of VBTA positions are neither fools nor idiots but subscribe to a different set of financial values which include capital preservation and recognize dwindling value of their lifetime accumulation.
Labeling them idiots and fools only exhibits that you are unable to successfully empathize with the differences in generation and values. Your more capable than that.
Henry,
It's your blog. If that is the propaganda you wish to peddle. Go for it. Remember though, that is an opinion you wish to peddle, and not based on fact.
see - ya
Oh, just one more thing. I attempted to have an intelligent honest discussion based on subject matter. You were the cause for termination because of an unwarranted, needless personal slight.
I'm truly disappointed.
I don't normally take sides, but I'm siding with Wally.
Yes, The Tide needs to be extended (that #2 is always late - I ride it every day and would gladly hop a train going up and down Hampton Blvd).
Avenging Archangel, you're then one in this conversation that is spewing fire, not Wally.
Wally, even I'm starting to agree with you on this. Henry, please stop spewing fire at people with opposing point-of-views who want a serious discussion like Wally is trying to have.
While I don't agree with a referendum, and I won't sign the petition for one, he has that right to speak up.
(the last post was me, Sarah McNeil - something happened when I hit the submit button)
Wally,
I call them as I see them. If that's too pointed for some people, that's not my problem.
As for light rail splitting "values", the VBTA did that themselves with their February "Statement" on the issue. In it, it treats single family detached homes differently from condos, apartments, and townhouses. With such, the VBTA made it clear they don't give a rat's ass about the lower middle class and working class.
Wally,
While I'm thinking of it, it's rich for you to try to lecture on civility given what's dished out on the site (VNS) your blog is attached to.
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