Chap. 377.—An ACT to create the Hampton Roads port commission, define
its duties and powers and to provide funds for carrying on its work.

H B 174]
Approved March 24, 1922.

Whereas, the general assembly of Virginia, by an act approved
March sixteenth, nineteen hundred and twenty, authorized the ap-
pointment of a commission on the development of Hampton Roads;
and

Whereas, the said commission has made its report to the general
assembly, which is printed as House document number five ;

Now, therefore, in order to carry out the recommendations of the
said commission, be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia,
That a permanent State port commission, to be known as the Hamp-
ton Roads port commission, be and the same is hereby authorized
and created.

Sec. 1. The Hampton Roads port commission shall consist of
the attorney general of Virginia, who shal) be ipso facto a member
of the commission and five additional members, appointed by the
governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, one of whom
may be a harbor development engineer ; the executive secretary, to be
appointed by the commission, whether or not a member thereof,
shall have full authority to investigate all matters pertaining to the
port; one of such members to be appointed for a term of one year,
one for a term of two years, one for a term of three years, one for
a term of four years, one for a term of five years and thereafter
for a term of four years respectively, vacancies occuring in the board
to be filled by appointment of the governor; this commission to take
up and work out the following necessary suggestions pertaining di-
rectly to the port development, in suitable co-operation at all times
with the State and National governments.

(1) Keep in touch with and obtain the assistance at all times
of trade associations in all cities and sections throughout the State,
and to emphasize and make continuous the interest in the develop-
ment of Hampton roads port.

(2) Keep thoroughly advised as to the need of the port, especially
for appropriations from the Federal government, and to secure the
earnest interest of the congressional delegations not only in Virginia,
but of North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Ohio in these
appropriations, and assist in having them approved by the rivers
and harbors committee of both houses of Congress at such times as
appropriations are sought. The port of Hampton Roads is not only
the principal port of Virginia, but also of large sections of the above
named States.

(3) Follow up the question of a State highway system which
will extend from the harbor cities to connect with other State roads
already built, or under construction, in the various directions from
which truck and other business can be brought to the port.

(4) Have provided by the State and Federal authorities adequate
immigration station facilities on Hampton Roads, and in connection
therewith develop fully the quarantine facilities of the district. In
this connection, close contact should be had with the several railroad
connections diverging from the port.

(5) Give constant attention to having our representatives in Con-
gress follow up the matter of suitable fortifications at Cape Henry and
Cape Charles, particularly Cape Henry at this time.

(6) Consider carefully and recommend to the general assembly
a system of taxation which will not be injurious to the industrial
development of Hampton Roads.

(7) Obtain suitable State legislation which will prevent the
waters of Hampton Roads from being polluted by oil and gther
objectionable matter, which is now a menace to fish life and which
establishes a fire risk to buildings, piers and warehouses bordering
on the water.

(8) Investigate all rates on export and import tonnage through
the port of Hampton Roads and other competing ports, with a view
to having all such rates so as not to be discriminatory to the port.

(9) Obtain a permit from the Federal and State governments
to construct a new modern hotel on the site of the Chamberlain hotel,
Fortress Monroe, Virginia,
(10) Make a study of development of inland waterways, includ-
ing both rivers and canals, connected with Hampton Roads.

(11) Make a thorough study of the unification of the railroad
and steamship terminals serving the Hampton Roads district with a
view to giving more economical and efficient service.

(12) Take the necessary steps to have Hampton Roads made a
free port zone.

(13) Improve channels and bring about the re-establishment of
port warden lines where required, this work to be done in conjunction
with the United States engineer.

Sec. 2. The sum of ten thousand dollars annually, or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated for the purpose
of carrying into effect the provisions of this act, provided that the
said executive secretary shall be paid a reasonable salary, to be fixed
by the commission, and that the members of the commission shall
receive no compensation, except the sum of ten dollars per diem for
the time actually engaged in the performance of their duties, and
their necessary traveling expenses. The said commission out of the
money hereby appropriated shall provide an office and the necessary

clerical help.