The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that Norfolk’s Mayor Paul Fraim is trying to force Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell into making some decisions with respect to adding a second tube to the outdated single-tube Midtown Tunnel that connects Norfolk to Portsmouth and the new Western Freeway.
Not only does Fraim want the state to pony up significant cash for the project, he wants whatever tolls that are levied to not be greater than $1.50 per car.
“It’s a question of priorities and fairness,” Fraim said.
Apparently the mayor is concerned because he hasn’t been included in the discussions being held at VDOT and hasn’t seen any of the plans or proposals for the project that is due to begin in 2012.
Unfortunately for Fraim, that doesn’t mean VDOT hasn’t prioritized this project and that plans and proposals aren’t moving forward – without him.
According to VDOT, they do share the mayor’s goal of keeping the project on track to minimize cost and tolls low. However, it is apparent Fraim just isn’t going to be included in the discussion where he can take the credit for something he has nothing to do with.
According to Taylor Thornley, spokeswoman for the governor:
“Governor McDonnell agrees with the concerns expressed by Mayor Fraim in his letter. The expansion of the midtown tunnel is a priority to the Governor. Secretary Connaughton, in conjunction with VDOT, is working to see this project move forward and get underway.”
Connaughton and VDOT are making sure the project gets underway, not Fraim.
Ouch.
