Virginia Beach LRT study signed by governor

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signed a bill for the study of light rail transit in Virginia Beach, which will likely be for a 10-mile extension of neighboring Norfolk's 7.4-mile starter line, The Tide.

The bill, HB6028, was introduced last month and approved by the General Assembly earlier this month before being signed. It directs state and regional transportation officials to launch a study of the project by early 2009. Approximately $15 million in state funds is available for purchasing right-of-way, but other costs have yet to be identified or funded.

Virginia Beach voters in 1999 rejected a proposed partnership with Norfolk to launch LRT, leaving Norfolk to pursue the $232 million project within its city limits. The Tide, now under construction, is scheduled to commence revenue operation in 2010.