Support High Speed Rail to Hampton Roads

The Department of Rail & Public Transportation (DRPT) will receive public comment on the proposed link of high speed rail and enhanced passenger rail to Hampton Roads until February 11. There is fierce competition for project funds and strong from the Hampton Roads community is essential to success.

Outlined below is the position taken by the Downtown Norfolk Council's Board of Directors. Also detailed below are the ways to communicate written comments prior to February 11.

The Downtown Norfolk Council Board of Directors endorses the resolution of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) and will encourage DRPT to adopt an enhanced alternative #1.

The Regional Position Statement

Endorse the extension of high-speed rail service from Washington, D.C. to Richmond/Petersburg and the Hampton Roads region, designating a high-speed rail corridor along the Norfolk Southern/Route 460 corridor designated ultimately at speeds of more than 110 mph, and enhance the intercity passenger rail service along the CSX/I-64 corridor. The HRTPO position is best reflected in a strengthened alternative #1, which we strongly endorse.

We need your support of this position and we need your participation.

Prepare comments that can be delivered electronically, mailed or delivered verbally at the Public Hearing. We encourage you to prepare your comments in your own words to reflect your particular needs and interest. The attached "talking points" may prove helpful as you prepare your comments. All comments are due by February 11, 2010.

a. Email your comments to projectteam@Rich2HRRail.info.
b. Mail your comments to arrive by February 11th to: Public Information Office, DRPT, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219
c. On January 28, provide verbal comments privately to the court reporter at the public hearing or sign up to publicly deliver your comments which can be no longer than 3 minutes.

For a project fact sheet and for more detail, visit Richmond/Hampton Roads Passenger Rail Project
View the complete draft Environmental Impact Statement
View information regarding public meetings