Minutes 04/26/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 26. 2005 WHEREAS, the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company has identified projects that are estimated to cost $900,000; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly, through enactment of the Rail Preservation Program, provides for certain improvements to and procurement of railways in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and WHEREAS, the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company is an important provider in the City of Portsmouth's transportation system; and WHEREAS, the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company IS instrumental in the economic development of the region, including the City of Portsmouth; provides relief to the highway system by transporting freight; and provides an alternate means of transporting commodities; and WHEREAS, the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company has requested the City of Portsmouth's support for the rail upgrade projects and the retention of the rail service; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has established procedures for allocation and distribution of funds provided; and WHEREAS, a resolution expressing Portsmouth City Council's continuing support of the application has been requested. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that it hereby supports the application of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for Rail Preservation funds to be used in its rail upgrade projects, and hereby requests the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to give priority consideration to the projects proposed by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None - New Business - 05 - 203 - Boards and Commissions There were no appointments. 05 - 204 - Items Submitted by Council Members "y Councilwoman Psimas announced the charity event, "Dinner IS Served", Thursday, April 28,2005, an effort to support AIDS Hospice. "y Vice Mayor Moody announced Cancer Society "Relay for Life", Friday, April 29, 2005, at City Park. "y The City Manager reminded citizens and Council, the budget will be coming to Council for adoption on Tuesday, May 3, 2005. "y Vice Mayor Moody requested the City Manager to address issue on retirement disabilities in the line of duty. "Y Councilwoman Randall spoke on timeline to citizens on improvements to their communities. "Y Vice Mayor Moody spoke on an advisory panel for pay and asked the City Manager about a timeline. "Y Councilman Whitehurst requested a list of the next three or four communities with the most serious capital improvement needs.