THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607120165
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 25 lines
The hot topic of light rail travel between Virginia Beach and
Norfolk went before City Council Tuesday where it stalled when
council delayed a vote on a proposed light rail study. Although
Norfolk City Council unanimously approved the study last month, the
Virginia Beach body asked for a one-month delay. When the matter
came up again last week, council passed a motion for an indefinite
deferral. The 18-month-long study will cost $3 million to $4 million
and is required if the $376 million project is to be eligible for
federal funds. Council member Louis R. Jones, left, who led the
move to defer a rail vote, said he wanted to ensure the transit
system meets Virginia Beach's needs, not just Norfolk's. The Beach
Council, including Linwood O. Branch III, right, demanded that Phase
One money be provided to buy land for routes to Norfolk Naval Base
and Norfolk International Airport, not just downtown Norfolk.
KEYWORDS: LIGHT RAIL by CNB