THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 7, 1995 TAG: 9506070012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Whatever comes of the call Monday by South Hampton Roads civic-league leaders for resolution of Norfolk and Virginia Beach differences over water, the grass-roots plea was timely and well-directed.
The largely arm's-length negotiations between the two cities are at a standstill. The impasse threatens to further postpone the day when Lake Gaston water - up to 60 million gallons per day - flows to South Hampton Roads.
Further delay would be costly. The quest for Lake Gaston water is in its 13th year. The Beach's litigation bill has mounted as the city has been compelled to topple environmental and political obstacles to the pipeline. Development prospects in South Hampton Roads are clouded. They will go on being clouded until Washington says the siphoning of Lake Gaston may begin. The uncertainty injures all Hampton Roads.
Virginia Beach and North Carolina made a deal this spring that would speed the tapping of Lake Gaston. North Carolina agreed to end legal objections blocking Lake Gaston water to the Beach in exchange for guarantees that include assurances of water for Northeastern North Carolina. One provision would prevent Norfolk's selling its surplus water - 30 million gallons per day - to any customer beyond South Hampton Roads or Northeastern North Carolina.
Norfolk demands compensation before restricting its market. The Beach is willing to compensate it - but not as generously as Norfolk wants.
That's where matters stand. Despite charges and countercharges from Norfolk and Virginia Beach city halls, this much is clear:
South Hampton Roads needs Lake Gaston water.
Norfolk's short- and long-term interests, no less than Virginia Beach's and all Hampton Roads', will be advanced by access to Lake Gaston.
The sooner Lake Gaston water is flowing the better.
Norfolk and Virginia Beach have a long history of tough bargaining over water - bargaining ultimately producing mutually beneficial contracts. Norfolk has profited from water sales; Virginia Beach has thrived on Norfolk water.
Citizens see that both cities should resume talking. They are right. by CNB