1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 10:42 a.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
The Board approved the agenda.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
3. Commonwealth Transportation Board Members Comments and Updates
Mr. John Malbon reported that the CTB approved the Final FY 2016-2021 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) on June 17, 2015. He also stated that the House Bill 2 (HB2) Statewide Transportation Prioritization Process was approved by the CTB during the same meeting.
4. Virginia Department of Transportation Comments and Updates
Mr. James Utterback reported that the I-64 Peninsula Widening – Segment 1 project was moving forward with construction set to begin in September 2015. He noted VDOT is working to get managed shoulder lanes added to the scope of the project. Mr. Utterback stated that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the I-64 Peninsula Widening – Segment 2 project is set to occur in July 2015. He further noted that there is now a consultant on board for the Hampton Roads Third Crossing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) project. Mr. Utterback praised the efforts of the Virginia State Police, VDOT personnel, and the City of Hampton Fire and Rescue with respect to a recent vehicle fire incident at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.
5. Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Comments and Updates
Ms. Jennifer Mitchell reported that the approved FY 2016-2021 SYIP included some high profile projects such as $155 million in funding for the Virginia Beach Light Rail Transit Extension project. Ms. Mitchell announced that on-line meetings are being held through June 23, 2015 on the DRPT website regarding the Washington D.C. to Richmond Tier II Environmental Impact Statement.
6. Military Liaisons Comments and Updates
Captain Robert Geis had no comments or updates.
Col. Joseph Laudner had no comments or updates.
7. 2034 Long-Range Transportation Plan Amendment: Virginia Beach Light Rail Transit (LRT) Extension
Mr. Ray Amoruso briefed the HRTPO Board on the adopted locally preferred alternative for the Virginia Beach LRT Extension. He reported that the total cost of the project is $310 million, which is being funded with $155 million in State funds and $155 million in City of Virginia Beach funds. He stated that the project is undergoing final environmental clearance through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Ms. Dale Stith briefed the Board on the request to amend the 2034 Long-Range Transportation Plan to include the Virginia Beach LRT Extension project as a construction project. This item was included in the consent agenda for approval under item #13-E.
8. 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan – Challenges and Strategies: Draft
Mr. Keith Nichols briefed the HRTPO Board on the most recent of a series of reports being produced during development of the 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan. The draft report details the challenges and strategies associated with transportation planning in Hampton Roads. The HRTPO Board took no action on this item.
9. Sea-Level Rise – Update on HRTPO efforts
Mr. Sam Belfield briefed the HRTPO Board on activities aimed at addressing the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge on the transportation infrastructure, travel, and economy of the Hampton Roads Region. The HRTPO Board took no action on this item.
10. House Bill 2 Statewide Transportation Prioritization Process Update: VDOT
Mr. Rob Cary briefed the HRTPO Board on the CTB approved House Bill 2 (HB2) Statewide Project Prioritization Process. He announced that workshops are being set up by VDOT to provide potential applicants with an overview of approved process as well as particulars on the application procedures. The HRTPO Board took no action on this item.
ACTION ITEMS AGENDA
11. Public Comment Period (limit 3 minutes per individual)
A citizen from Newport News stated that improvements at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel should be included in regional transportation planning for Hampton Roads.
A citizen from Norfolk commented on current and future Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines concerning air quality standards in the Hampton Roads Region.
A citizen of Virginia Beach stated that the HB2 scoring process for the Hampton Roads District does not support the Virginia Beach LRT Extension project.
12. Submitted Public Comments
There were no submitted public comments.
13. Approval of Consent Items
The HRTPO Board approved the Consent Agenda items.
14. HRTPO Board Three-Month Tentative Schedule
This item was for informational purposes.
15. Correspondence of Interest
This item was for informational purposes.
16. Minutes of HRTPO Committee Meetings
This item was for informational purposes.
17. For Your Information
This item was for informational purposes.
18. Old/New Business
There was no Old/New business.
ADJOURNMENT