As a resident of both Norfolk and Virginia Beach, a Virginia real estate broker, and developer in both cities with headquarters in downtown Norfolk, I spend a great deal of time thinking about how our region would prosper better if it were not fragmented into smaller cities and counties.

It feels like we spend too much time competing amongst each other instead of competing against other regions for jobs and growth. For the first time in my memory, we made regional history when the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization unanimously voted to bring High-Speed Rail to south Hampton Roads and to enhance conventional rail on the Peninsula. This is a sweet victory not only for High-Speed Rail but for the future of regional cooperation.

As the nation embraces and pursues High-Speed Rail, we have many sound reasons for demanding comparable service to our region. We should not be shy about our efforts for the short- and long-term vision for meeting the transportation needs of Hampton Roads.

When you compare our area to other metropolitan areas vying for High-Speed Rail, it becomes clear that our region is in need of rail service for many of the same reasons as others. But there are reasons that set us apart. First, just as regions smaller than Hampton Roads (Winston-Salem and Greensboro) and others comparable in size (Jacksonville and Charlotte) are, we should be included in the next wave of transportation, first as a spur like High-Speed Rail Extension off the main line of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. But then, also and most definitely, a plan needs to be launched that will construct a passenger rail line to the Southwest from Hampton Roads, specifically from Norfolk via Weldon to Raleigh. In effect, this passenger rail line results in a loop to the main line through Hampton Roads similar to the loop solution already approved for Winston Salem off of the main line in North Carolina.

Local bridge and tunnel traffic.

When you, your company, or your organization provides a Public Comment on the newly posted Draft Environmental Impact Statement*, you should strongly recommend the study cited above and also urge nothing less than first-class, “through service” rail lines be designed for our Hampton Roads region. It’s unfortunate that we are “late in the game.” If we had not been late, we’d likely be on the main line at the beginning of the rail construction as Greensboro and Durham, North Carolina are now. They are smaller metro areas, but North Carolina did its homework early, and thus they are reaping the benefits now. So bottom line is that we are a viable major region and must be included in the nation’s passenger rail plan with the best quality of service.

Now that’s where the similarities end. Here are the big issues that separate us and make our need for High-Speed rail more justifiable:

• First, there are life and safety issues. Hampton Road’s God-given beauty and watery assets are also a hindrance. We have few evacuation routes for our 1.7 million people, and those are reduced quickly by storm-related damage. Case in point; a pump out in the Midtown Tunnel causes unbelievable congestion and delays for days.
• Then add to that, the military and government contractors that need fast, reliable affordable transportation between our “Pentagon South” and Northern Virginia and DC. Flights are few and expensive between our two key regions, and interstate travel is unpredictable. A 3.5 hour trip can take as long as 9 hours at times.
• Finally there is tourism–an economic engine that is bolstered by being within a one-day drive of major northeastern metro areas. As car travel becomes more difficult, those tourists will likely choose other tourist destinations.

Reliable High-Speed Rail, connected to light rail, will be an amazing economic growth engine for everyone, give us an edge in attracting new businesses and tourists, and bolster an unprecedented new level of prosperity.

Our region—America’s First Region—deserves nothing less. For all of these reasons, Hampton Roads must strive for a first class passenger rail system.

*Over the course of our series, we’ll be providing info on how to communicate your input. But if and whenever you’re ready to do so, here are a few simple ways to go ahead:

• Electronic form comments to VDRPT (5 pages, 6 questions, excellent procedure): http://www.rich2hrrail.info/. Click “Comment on Draft EIS” at the bottom of page (take your time; do it well).
• Written comments to: VDRPT, Public Info Office, DRPT, 600 E. Main St, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.
• Verbal comments at the public hearing: From the floor, if called upon (three minutes max, limited numbers). Or to the on-site VDRPT Stenographer/Recorder.

Bobby Wright will host the Future of Hampton Roads-sponsored Town Meeting at Granby Theater on January 20 to further the goal of bringing High-Speed Rail to south Hampton Roads.