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Light rail referendum in Virginia Beach fails

Posted at 12:37 AM, Nov 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-09 00:45:08-05

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach light rail referendum to extend from Norfolk to Virginia Beach Town Center was defeated 57 to 42 percent on Tuesday night.

The majority of votes were against the $240 million extension. The City of Virginia Beach would be responsible for footing $88 million of the cost.

John Atkinson, Virginia Beach City Treasurer said he is against the light rail and has been working the polls because he believes the money could go toward other avenues.

Cathy Callahan the president of Light Rail Now said she was cautiously optimistic as votes were coming in Tuesday night. When News 3 spoke with Callahan before results were final, she said if the referendum doesn’t pass it just means there’s more work to do.