Increase passenger train frequencies to Norfolk & Roanoke (language only)

Item 449 #1s

Language

Page 379, following line 1, insert:

“D. Because of the overwhelming need for the delivery of services provided by the investment in a balanced transportation system in the Commonwealth, and in an effort to deliver intercity passenger trains utilizing the Commonwealth's investments and to increase passenger train frequencies to Norfolk and Roanoke, notwithstanding the provisions of § 33.2-1601 and § 33.2-1603, Code of Virginia, the Commonwealth Transportation Board may only make further investments in intercity passenger rail capacity to serve new markets in North Carolina, provided the Six-Year Improvement Plan adopted pursuant to § 33.2-214, Code of Virginia includes sufficient funding to complete projects underway to deliver train capacity improvements and provides the funding for service for a second and third passenger rail frequency to Norfolk and an extension of passenger rail to Roanoke. Any Rail Enhancement Funds utilized for the purposes of the service delivery outlined in this paragraph shall be administered according to the guidelines governing the use of Intercity Passenger Rail Operating and Capital Funds.

E. As part of the Commonwealth's dedicated investment in the extension of Intercity Passenger Rail Service to Roanoke, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation shall evaluate the feasibility and costs of providing service to the Town of Bedford.  As part of this evaluation, the Department shall consider what additional federal and local funding options are available to support service to the Town of Bedford.  The Department shall provide this feasibility assessment to the Chairmen of the House Committees on Transportation and Appropriations, the Senate Committees on Transportation and Finance, and the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability no later than December 1, 2016."