Minutes 09/27/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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!~September 27,'-1994 "The Federal Government=has been considering the development of high speed rail corridors which would connect some of the major metropolitan areas in the United States. One of the corridors which has been identified as suitable for such rail service lies between Washington, Ricl~mond, and Charlotte. The Commonwealth of Virginia is studying the feasibility of connecting H~unpton Roads to this proposed network by way of a high speed rail connection between Newport News and Richmond. Though high speed rail service may be many yearsfrom construction, it is obvious that such service would contribute substantially to economic development and growth in those areas fortunate enough to be included in the network. Hsanpton Roads, including the Southside communities, needs to have high speed rail links to the remainder of the Commonwealth and the nation. Such connections would serve our ports, tourist attractions, industry, and our citizens. It is important that the.State be aware of our desire to be served by this new technology. The Tidewater Transportation District Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization have adopted aresolution of support, and I recommend that you adopt a similar resolution expressing the importance of this concept to the City of Portsmouth." Motion by Mr. Martin, and seconded by Mr. Robinett, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A HAMPTON ROADS CONNECTION TO HIGH SPEED RAIL. WHEREAS, the Hampton Roads Region is one of the fastest growing areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia; home to 25% of the state's population, the Port of Hampton Roads, one of the state's greatest economic assets, major tourist attractions, the world's largest Naval Base, the USA Command Headquarters and the Air Combat Command; and WHEREAS, the future economic development of Hampton Roads and thus in large part Virginia's future growth and prosperity bears a direct relationship to our ability to move people and goods rapidly; and WHEREAS, it is essential that Hampton Roads be connected to the transportation networks of the future if we are to remain competitive in the emerging global economy; and WHEREAS, the Federal Railroad Administration has designated the Washington-Richmond-Charlotte rail corridor part of a proposed national network of high speed corridors; and WHEREAS, the Conunonweaith of Virginia is currently' studying the potential for high speed rail in the Washington to Newport News corridor; and WHEREAS, the Tidewater Transportation District Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization have adopted a similar resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, as a matter vital to the future economic health and prosperity of Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia, that both the Virginia Peninsula and eouthside Hampton Roads must be linked to the national high speed rail eystem at the earliest possible juncture.