Train station in Windsor?
Published 9:28 am Wednesday, September 22, 2010
WINDSOR—Passenger rail service linking Richmond and South Hampton Roads could soon be a reality, and county and town leaders want to make sure Windsor isn’t left out. They say a train station could be a boon to the town’s economy.
That’s why Isle of Wight County supervisors will consider a resolution in support of a train station in or near Windsor during their Thursday meeting. The Windsor Town Council unanimously passed a similar resolution at its recent meeting, Mayor Carita Richardson said.
“We are just optimistic about the possibility,” Richardson said.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board recently agreed to allocate more than $93 million in funding to establish passenger rail service between Richmond and Hampton Roads.
The proposed passenger trains would pass through Windsor on the Norfolk Southern tracks that run parallel to U.S. Route 460. Thelma Drake, the director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, has agreed to come to Windsor and meet with town officials, Richardson said.
Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Thomas Wright, who represents the Windsor District, said a train station would bring people and businesses into the county and town.
“When you come in, you’ve got to buy gas and if you’re going to catch that train, you’re going to have to grab a lunch somewhere or another,” he said.
Wright said a train station could also be used as a selling point for the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park just outside of Windsor.
Richardson said county officials have been “very supportive” of the town’s efforts to lobby for a train station.
“We’re all working together on this issue,” she said.