Virginia Beach council OKs light-rail extension

The Virginia Beach, Va., City Council earlier this week voted to extend existing light-rail service in the region, according to the Virginian-Pilot.

The council also voted to allocate $20 million toward the project, which would extend "The Tide" light-rail service beyond its current terminus at Newton Road westward to the Town Center of Virginia Beach.

The state of Virginia previously stated it would commit $155 million for the light-rail extension.

The total capital costs of the chosen option would be $327 million, according to the project's environmental study.

The vote allows for a final study of the project, as well as more detailed design plans and estimates of costs to begin, the paper reported.

The project still must win federal approval, as well.