TPO July 21, 2010

It was a blockbuster meeting today for the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).

First, the tool for prioritizing the region's transportation projects was approved. Staff anticipated having a fully prioritized list back to the TPO at it's January meeting. However, the TPO wants a list in September, even if that list needs to later be adjusted. The reason is to try to have something to go prior to the 2011 General Assembly session and the October meeting of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).

Second, the initial work of the consultant on High Speed Rail was received, with Staff authorized to reach agreement with him for another year's work. However, some from the state government expressed skepticism over assumptions in the initial work.

Third, Norfolk light rail was sent $10 million in the state share of stimulus funds to help Norfolk cover the last round of cost overruns.

Finally, the TPO deferred action on the state's transportation measures. The sticking point is a timeline in already-passed legislation that would require another act of the General Assembly to undo.