Last week, Norfolk’s Mayor Paul Fraim made a presentation to Norfolk civic league presidents on transportation. The video of the event is here and is about 30 minutes long. On that same day, The Virginian-Pilot had a lead story which included the picture to the left (click to enlarge) which graphically demonstrates the transportation woes of Hampton Roads. Our needs are great but there is no money. Public-private partnerships will result in tolls, some in the $4-$6 range.
The transportation needs of Virginia have been neglected for a long, long time and despite the various schemes concocted by the governor, there doesn’t appear to be much relief in sight. Of course, if we were a home rule state, Hampton Roads could band together and come up with our own money to solve these problems. (And yes, I know it’s wishful thinking that Hampton Roads could band together 😦 )
It is worth noting that the so-called “third crossing,” a favorite of the mayor’s, won a computer modeling competition as the top interstate project. Now if “winning” came with some money…
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
While I understand the skepticizm about Hampton Roads banding together, I think on issues like this, the “high speed rail” agreement being an example, the citizens will band together.
It is up to us to make sure our “leaders” agree to do what is in the best interest of the region.
The quote marks because I question the validity of the terms used!
Isn’t it ironic that the thing that made Hampton Roads what it is economically — our waterways — are now impeding us?