By Del. Richard Anderson
The Virginia – North Carolina High-Speed Rail Compact last met in Richmond on Jan. 7, and meet again on Sept. 19 in Raleigh. We meet every six months and alternate between the two state capitol buildings.
The driver for high-speed rail is that the Southeast was one of the nation’s fastest growing regions over the last decade, with population increasing 16.5 percent. Traffic gridlock and energy prices increase the drive and need for more efficient intercity travel. As a result, Virginia and North Carolina have created the High-Speed Rail Compact and are using $800 million in federal, state, and private funds to progress the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. To fully develop the SEHSR corridor, Virginia and North Carolina will need approximately $7.7 billion in funding.
The Washington to Richmond corridor has been appropriated $75 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to build 11.4 miles of additional track capacity in Prince William and Stafford counties. The area received $45.5 million in federal FY 2010 funds to complete the next level of environmental analysis on the Richmond-Washington corridor and to complete environmental and preliminary engineering work on a new bridge over the Appomattox River. This work will bring the Richmond-Washington portion of the corridor to the same level of environmental analysis as the Richmond-Raleigh portion. The Richmond to Norfolk corridor has seen their Tier 1 environmental study advanced through the public comment stage and sent to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for final approval. Once the FRA provides a Record of Decision on the route eligible for federal funding, the corridor can begin the next phase of the federal planning process heading toward construction readiness.
Virginia is also in the process of investing $101 in the Richmond-Norfolk corridor to add the needed capacity to extend the first of three passenger trains to the region since 1977. The Norfolk-Boston Amtrak Northeast Regional Service is expected to launch in October 2013. The introduction of the new conventional speed Amtrak Virginia service allows the Richmond-Hampton Roads corridor to be considered an emerging high speed rail corridor, which makes the corridor more competitive for federal funding.
North Carolina and Virginia continue work on the Tier 2 environmental study for the corridor between Richmond and Raleigh. North Carolina received a $4 million federal grant to complete the study, and public hearings are taking place along the study corridor in those areas which have seen changes since hearings were held in July 2010.
The document is scheduled to be sent to the FRA for review/approval in late 2012. When approval is given, the corridor will be ready for construction pending funding availability. In the meantime, $25 million will be invested in the current Richmond to Raleigh corridor alignment to improve safety.
Del. Richard Anderson (R-Lake Ridge, Prince William) serves on the Virginia – North Carolina High Speed Rail Compact.
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If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.Â
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.Â
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
