Minutes 09/13/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 13. 2005 05 - 418 - Adoption of a resolution urging Governor Mark R. Warner to include $45 million in his FY 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Proposal to fund the Western Freeway Rail Relocation component of the Heartland Corridor Project, and urging approval of this funding by the Virginia General Assembly. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, World Class Maritime Center, Neighborhood and Community Transformation, and A Robust and Prospering Economy. Background: . The Western Freeway was designed and built to permit rail access down the median strip. Until now, there was no need for this rail to be installed. The new Maersk Portsmouth Terminal now makes it highly desirable to install rail at the earliest possible time. . A federal funding source has been identified for a portion of the cost of the Western Freeway Rail Relocation (WFRR). The purpose of this resolution is to have State funding cover the balance of the cost. Discussion: . The estimated cost of the WFRR Project is $60 million. A federal funding source will cover $15 million of the cost. . This resolution seeks to have Governor Warner propose State funding in the amount of $45 million in his proposed budget, and to have the General Assembly approve this funding. . The WFRR Project will greatly reduce the impact of rail traffic on Churchland neighborhoods and businesses, and it will greatly increase rail efficiency for the Maersk Portsmouth Terminal. . Financial Impact: there will be no material cost to the City. There will be indirect, but unquantifiable financial benefits to the City, in the general nature of preserving neighborhood quality and increasing economic activity. Staff Recommends: Adoption of a resolution urging Governor Mark R. Warner to include $45 million in his FY 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Proposal to fund the Western Freeway Rail Relocation component of the Heartland Corridor Project, and urging approval of this funding by the Virginia General Assembly. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, World Class Maritime Center, Neighborhood and Community Transformation, and A Robust and Prospering Economy. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Resolution to be sent to Governor Warner. . Develop and implement legislative strategy. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Randall, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION URGING GOVERNOR MARK R. WARNER TO INCLUDE $45 MILLION IN HIS 2006-2008 BIENNIUM BUDGET PROPOSAL TO FUND THE WESTERN FREEWAY RAIL RELOCATION COMPONENT OF THE HEARTLAND CORRIDOR PROJECT, AND URGING APPROVAL OF THIS FUNDING BY THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY. WHEREAS, the Western Freeway Rail Relocation will relocate the rail line that serves as the eastern terminus of the Heartland Corridor to the median strip of Virginia Route 164, and eliminate the 14 dangerous grade separations in the Cities of Portsmouth and Chesapeake, Virginia, along that route; and, WHEREAS, the Heartland Corridor was designed to create a seamless, efficient intermodal rail route that will start at the Port of Virginia, cross West Virginia, and culminate in Columbus, Ohio, where it will link up with the existing Norfolk Southern network that is double-stack cleared to Chicago and the western rail networks; and, WHEREAS, all of the bridges that cross Virginia Route 164 were originally built to accommodate a dual set of rail tracks, and are already high enough for double-stack container trains; and,