Governor Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony

'As we break ground today, we're opening a new chapter in the history of public transportation in Hampton Roads,’ said Michael Townes, President and CEO of HRT.' ‘In 2010, The Tide will offer the community greater mobility and another transportation choice. While there is much hard work ahead in order to construct The Tide on-time and on-budget, today is a day to bask in great celebration.’

Norfolk City Councilman and HRT Commissioner Randy Wright, a tried and true supporter of The Tide, waited nearly 10 years for this day. ‘Today, at long last, we break ground and start building a light rail system to serve the citizens of Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads community.This is truly a glorious day in the history of Norfolk as The Tide becomes another piece of the puzzle in an increasingly world-class city.'

When completed, The Tide will extend from Eastern Virginia Medical Center, through downtown Norfolk and end at the Norfolk city line at Newtown Road. Among those in attendance were Governor Tim Kaine, Mayor Paul Fraim, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congresswoman Thelma Drake and HRT’s President/CEO Michael Townes.This was the public’s chance to witness the start of light rail construction and participate in the beginning of change for the future of transit in Hampton Roads.