Minutes 10/11/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 11. 2005 Discussion: . Without the initial Norfolk MOS, it is unlikely that other segments of the proposed fixed guideway transit system, including those proposed for the Peninsula, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth, will be federally approved in the foreseeable future. . It is anticipated that the Norfolk MOS will be a catalyst for major economic development within the Hampton Roads region. . Financial Impact: No local funding assistance is being requested. Staff Recommends: Adoption of a Resolution supporting the development and funding of the Norfolk Minimum Operable Segment of a light rail system in Hampton Roads. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions and Neighborhood and Community Transformation. Next Steps Following Council Action: . HRT will continue to advocate and attempt to secure state, federal and private funding for the project. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Ms. Randall, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING OF THE NORFOLK MINIMUM OPERABLE SEGMENT OF A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM IN HAMPTON ROADS. WHEREAS, public transportation provides increased commuter options, incorporates strategic land-use planning, and is an essential element to any mature transportation system; and WHEREAS, citizens, businesses, and civic organizations in Hampton Roads have expressed support for the development of a light rail transit system within the City of Norfolk as the initial phase of a regional fixed guideway transit system proposed by the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, commonly referred to as Hampton Roads Transit (HRT); and WHEREAS, the regional long range transportation plan completed by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) includes the provision for a light rail transit system; and WHEREAS, an 8-mile proposed alignment running from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center, through downtown Norfolk, to the Norfolk city line in the vicinity of Kempsville Road, described more fully in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to be filed with the Federal Transit Administration, and commonly referred to as the "Norfolk Minimum Operable Segment" or "Norfolk MOS", has been identified as the best initial local investment; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth is a neighboring city to the City of Norfolk and recognizes the strategic importance of its neighbor as a hub of commerce, culture, entertainment, education and medicine; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth recognizes that without this initial segment, it is unlikely that other segments of the proposed fixed guideway transit system, including those proposed for the Peninsula, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth, will be federally approved in the foreseeable future; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth anticipates the Norfolk MOS will be a catalyst for major economic development within our region. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia that the City of Portsmouth expresses its support of the continued development of the Norfolk Minimum Operable Segment ("Norfolk MOS") project and efforts by the City of Norfolk and Hampton Roads Transit to secure state, federal and private funding for the Norfolk MOS."