According to a VP article today, the Virginia Department of Transportation may require Virginia Beach to use the Norfolk Southern corridor for light rail in exchange for the $20 million dollar contribution for its purchase. This should not be new. That was the stated purpose when the state approved the grant to assist in the extension of the Norfolk light rail line. Its also a great way for our State officials, who apparently can be leaders, to do what is necessary for the progress of the City of Virginia Beach and for Virginia. They have done what Virginia Beach’s leaders have been unable to do. Besides, why are VB residents surprised that state money comes with strings? Nearly all the money that we as cities receive from state and federal sources have strings attached. I can only hope, though, that the state sticks to its requirement and doesn’t back off.