Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-04-28
Formulating u Port Iplan

w in January, 1922, practical plan for
the development Of Virginia's greatest as
set, the port of Hampton Roads, will have
been formulated. Even more important,
perhaps, than this foundation laid by the
port commission, appointed by Governor
Davis, in conference with leading men who
realize Nirginia's crying need for better
port facilities the people of every section
OF the State from Tidewatcr to the western
border will have been made acquainted with
what the development of Hampton Roads
means, that it is not Norfolk, or a New
port News, or a Richmond project, but a
Suite undertaking in which nil the States
commercial and industrial prospects are in
extricably bound up, and without which
Virginia cannot take advantage to the full
est OF its marvellous location In relation to
the commerce and transportation of the
world
Inaugurated as development project
and made q live undertaking through the
cooperative and community spirit OF the
Hampton Roads and ridewater citics-and
in it The Times-D Dispatch is proud to feel
that il had n part-it has grown to the
proportions of a State enterprise which this
newspaper feels is second only to the build
ing OF good roads that shall make every
section of the State easily accessible. This
being true, the commission is acting wso-
ly III holding its conferences throughout
the State in order to avoid any appearance
OF scctionaism and to acquaint tho citizens
of every section with the magnitude and
vital Importance of what has been under
taken. Meetings already have been held in
Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News and
still another will be held in Roanoke on May
II. Following that meetings will be held
N ut riti hot
by the time the Legislature convenes the
whole State will have been bound together
III the realization that Virginias future is
at stake and the Legislature itself will be
guided not solely by its own knowledge.
but by the fact that from the mountains
10 the sea sentiment is soidly behind any
practical steps for port development that
it may take.
The commissions plan. tentative, OF
course. is getting we'll under way Ire
mendously interesting is the suggestion
made to 1t tina. terminal holding cor
roration be formed in which the State it
self. the railroads. and other interests
would control all the port water fronts MAX
ing for maximum use at minimum cost.
This plan has been tried out elsewhere and
has been found practical. Objection may
be raised in some quarters to the States
gong so deeply lntO port QeVelOpment, ana
the wisdom of such course will have to
be decided by the Assembly. guided by pub
lie sentiment. but If Virginia can spend
$50. 900 or more OH its roads, there
seems legitimate reason why it should
not become an active participant in the
development OF the potentially greatest port
resource nature ever conferred on any
Commonwealth. Whether or not the State
Goes decide on such step, it is certain
that the Assembly will go just as far as
il can in wisdom to encourage and pro-
mote by legislative enactment the growth
tc which Hampton Roads is entitled by
location and natural facilities, as we'll as
the Srowth and increased prosperity which
Ks development will bring to no section
&c the State in particular, but to Virginia
whole.
1t is step that Virginia should have
taken many years ago, hut there have been
legitimate reasons why ii could not In
the meantime, Northern States less favor
ably situated in relation to their ports and
less favored by nature in the ports them
selves. have developed their water facilities
ana mnhe OF them great commercial and
transportation ccnters. Virginia is start
Ing late, hut with its natural advantages
80 believe il can oycrtakc it's Northern
ncighbors and make Of Hampton Roads n
distributing center for the world that will
ne second not even to New York That Is
the states ambition, and Richmond with
!l6 sister communities in Tidewater and
every other progressive community. Is pre-
pared 10 roll up its sleeves and work
twenty-four hours every day until that am
biton is materialzed