Minutes 04/09/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 9, 2013 Background: • The Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line (NPBL) plans to file an application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for funding assistance for maintenance and construction projects. • NBPL is requesting that the City of Portsmouth support their project by requesting that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation give priority for inclusion in their Rail Preservation Program. • The Rail Preservation Program provides funding for certain improvement and procurements of railways in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Discussion: • The Portsmouth Rail Yard project will improve rail efficiency by adding three support tracks between George Washington Highway and Portsmouth Boulevard. • The estimated cost of this project is $1,750,000. • The NPBL is instrumental in the economic development of the area by transporting freight and providing an alternate means of transportation for commodities. Financial Impact: • There is no requirement for matching funds. There is no financial impact to the City. Recommended Action: • Adoption of the resolution. Vision Principle: A Robust Economy for Working Men and Women. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Edmonds, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH BELT LINE RAIL PRESERVATION APPLICATION TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PORTSMOUTH RAIL YARD PROJECT. WHEREAS, the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line (NPBL) desires to file an application with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for funding assistance to adding three support tracks between George Washington Highway and Portsmouth Boulevard; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly, through enactment of the Rail Preservation Program, provides funding for certain improvements to aid procurement of railways in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and WHEREAS, NPBL is an important provider in the City of Portsmouth's transportation system; and WHEREAS, NPBL 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, NPBL has requested the City of Portsmouth's support for the above- referenced rail projects; 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 by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line. 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 to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for Rail Preservation Program funds to be used for NPBL's Portsmouth Rail Yard Project to add three support tracks between George Washington Highway and Portsmouth Boulevard."