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Hampton Roads officials decry lack of local hearings on rail proposal

Officials in Hampton Roads are concerned because no public hearings are scheduled locally for discussion of a study on a proposed high speed passenger train between Richmond and Raleigh, N.C. They worry that Hampton Roads could be left out as the nation's rail network continues to grow.

Eight hearings will be held in July along the 162-mile rail corridor. The closest to Hampton Roads are in Petersburg and Richmond. The line is expected to cost $2.1 billion to $2.3 billion.

"This is our moment to stand up and demand to be heard on rail issues," said Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who has championed regional high speed rail efforts. "We're just not going to have some bureaucracy back-burner the Hampton Roads issues."

Major transportation initiatives can have a big impact on local economies, and by extension local property values. Homes near transportation corridors that serve metropolitan areas are attractive to commuters.

Officials determined to improve rail service between Richmond and Washington

Virgina officials were disappointed in the announcement of federal stimulus grants for high-speed passenger rail projects. The Commonwealth sought $1.8 billion but got just $75 million for its top rail initiative.

Efforts to improve rail service between Richmond and Washington, and ultimately the rest of the state, will continue, according to Thelma Drake, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. "Whether you like rail or not, it is the future," she said. More opportunities for federal funding will come up, and she expects to be on the spot, applications in hand. "A big part of my job is the Washington component," she said.

High speed rail service allows trains to operate at 90 to 110 miles per hour. Currently, the fastest trains in Virginia operate at 79 mph.