For an opposing point of view, see “Competition at the Port of Virginia makes all of Virginia better,” by former Gov. Jim Gilmore.
When you think about bustling ports like the Port of Virginia, you probably picture trains and ships working in harmony to keep goods moving and highways unclogged. But here’s something most folks don’t know: a taxpayer-funded subsidy is quietly tipping the scales, sending more trucks — and more traffic — onto local roads in Norfolk at the expense of Virginians as far away as Southwest Virginia. It’s a raw deal for Norfolk residents, and it threatens the balance Norfolk Southern long worked to achieve in Virginia’s transportation network.
For more than a century, NS has invested in Virginia’s rail infrastructure and partnered with the Commonwealth to keep freight moving safely and efficiently, helping build an economy that stands at the center of U.S. commerce today. From Bristol to Roanoke to Hampton Roads, NS’ commitment runs deep — the company helped build a rail network that supports local businesses, protects communities and strengthens Virginia’s economy. Integral to the Port of Virginia’s success is the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line (NPBL), a railroad serving the Norfolk International Terminal, controlled for more than 30 years by a partnership between CSX and NS…