Southeast High Speed Rail Tier 2 D-EIS

VHSR and SEHSRA’s Position: We support the continued advancement of, and investment in, the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor to link our region with fast, frequent, and reliable intercity passenger trains.

 Talking Points:

·         Transportation congestion:

o   Avg. resident along the SEHSR corridor spends 213 hours annually in traffic or commuting to work.

o   Avg. flight into or out of destinations along SEHSR corridor is delayed 55.6 minutes.

o   Population of Southeast expected to grow 26 percent in the next 20 years.

·         This study is the final step in a federally mandated process and must proceed for the expansion of high speed rail connecting the Washington to Petersburg and Raleigh to Charlotte corridors.

·         The corridor alignment selected must aim for the least environmental impact and the greatest return-on-investment for the public’s money.

·         Ensure city center to city center connectivity access to public transit including at the following stations:

o   Richmond’s Main Street station

o   Raleigh’s new Union station

o   The Petersburg passenger rail station must have the necessary utility for trains traveling to both Raleigh and Norfolk.

·         Support the multi-use greenway trail concept where it doesn’t impact the feasibility or the cost of advancing the SEHSR corridor.

Public Hearing Dates:

Hearings begin at 7:00 pm with a public viewing beginning at 5:00 pm