Authority: Title 23, Chapter 5.2, Code of Virginia.

A. Out of this appropriation, $4,000,000 from the general fund and $4,500,000 from nongeneral funds each year is designated to build research capacity in modeling and simulation which shall include efforts to improve traffic management through modeling.

B. Old Dominion University shall report on the use of these funds and progress made under this initiative to the Chairman of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by October 1, 2007.  The report shall include, but not be limited to: 1) how the funds were used, 2) the amount of federal and private funds that were leveraged, 3) collaborative efforts in support of private industry, 4) the number of junior and senior faculty recruited in each field, 5) the amount of federal or other grant funds received as the result of those recruitments, 6) additional grants or contracts being pursued, 7) the level of instructional activity conducted by these faculty, 8) the impact of research activities on undergraduate instruction, 9) the use of graduate student aid funds, and 10) recommendations for future investment.

C. The Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center ("VMASC") is directed to utilize modeling and simulation and visualization research methods to study matters related to the optimization of the Commonwealth's modes of public transportation, including rail and bus.  In conducting the study, the VMASC shall consider issues such as the most economical and efficient methods of expanding the Commonwealth's public transportation systems to areas possessing the highest population density or most severe automotive traffic congestion, and other issues as may arise.  Included in this evaluation shall be an examination of the public transit needs in the Route 1 corridor in Fairfax County relating to the base realignment actions impacting Fort Belvoir.  The VMASC shall provide personnel and materials to conduct the study, and shall consult with the Secretary of Transportation, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Virginia Transportation Research Council and other entities suggested by the Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation.  VMASC shall provide an interim report to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Transportation Committees no later than November 1, 2006, and a written final report to the respective Chairmen no later than November 1, 2007.