Va. Beach proposes framework for light-rail grant deal

Virginia Beach:

“State Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne told area business leaders Wednesday that Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms had agreed to the general terms for a state grant of $155 million for a light-rail extension into the city. Hours later, the city released a draft two-page proposal that lays the framework of an agreement between the parties. A city spokesman said it reflected Beach officials' understanding of the terms as discussed by Sessoms, Layne and staff members with the city and state.

The document begins by saying it is not intended to be an offer, acceptance or binding agreement ‘of any kind,’ and is only ‘a summary of the basic terms of a possible transaction.’ Council members discussed the proposal in a closed session Tuesday. If the state agrees to the terms, the council would eventually vote on any deal in public, Councilman Jim Wood said.

The proposal says extending light rail to Town Center is estimated to cost $290 million, and that the state would contribute 50 percent of the cost, up to $155 million. It says the city would not request any state money for evaluation of alternative transit technologies, an indirect reference to trains that operate by magnetic levitation.”

~ Writes Dave Forster, Kathy Adams & Philip Walzer of The Virginian-Pilot

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