Minutes 03/25/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 25. 2008 "ORDINANCE GRANTING A CABLE FRANCHISE TO CAVALIER IP TV, L.L.C., TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, R. Smith, Holley Nays: None 08 - 160 - Adoption of a resolution supporting the application of Commonwealth Railway, Inc., to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for Rail Preservation Funds. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Background: . Commonwealth Railway, Inc. is requesting State rehabilitation funds through the Rail Preservation Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). . Prior to consideration of the application, the Commonwealth Transportation Board requires the submission of a resolution in support of the project. . These grant funds would allow Commonwealth Railway to perform maintenance work on several bridges, add ballast at various locations and mechanically tamp and surface the railroad. . The Commonwealth Railway is a short-line railroad operating 16.5 miles of track from Suffolk to Portsmouth. They interchange with Norfolk Southern in Suffolk. . The main industry on the line is the BASF Chemical plant in the West Norfolk area of Portsmouth. . Commonwealth Railway is the only rail line to access the APM port and this section of rail will be the only section of the existing railway to remain after the Centerline Rail Section is opened in late 2009. Discussion: . The Commonwealth Railway has not had sufficient traffic on their line to the BASF plant to warrant the expenditure of dollars to maintain the rail at a high level. In light of the opening of the APM Marine Terminal and the completion of the Centerline Rail relocation by the end of 2009, the Commonwealth Railway wants to improve the short remaining section of rail from the end of the Centerline Project to the BASF Plant. . The repair and maintenance of that section of rail is in the best interest of the city since a well maintained rail connection to the BASF plant is an asset to that industrial property. . In addition, a well maintained rail line results in trains being able to carry heavier loads at higher speeds. This will in turn make rail movement more attractive and reduce the number of trucks on local streets. . Portsmouth has supported the Commonwealth in such requests in the past (ref. Resolution of Support, adopted March 9, 2004). Financial Impact: . None. Improvements and Maintenance will be made by the railway and not by the City. Staff Recommends: . Adoption of a resolution. Sense of Community. Vision Principles: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Next Steps Following Council Action: . Inform Mr. Andrew T. Chunko, VP Port Operations and DRPT of the City Council's decision. Motion by Ms. Psi mas, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: