Item 483 | First Year - FY2005 | Second Year - FY2006 |
|---|
|
|
| Rail Assistance (61000) | $3,750,000 | $3,750,000 |
| Federal and Regulatory Programs (61002) | FY2005 $750,000 | FY2006 $750,000 |
| Rail Capital Assistance (61003) | FY2005 $3,000,000 | FY2006 $3,000,000 |
| Fund Sources: | | |
| Commonwealth Transportation | FY2005 $3,750,000 | FY2006 $3,750,000 |
Authority: Title 33.1, Code of Virginia.
A. Out of the amounts for Rail Assistance, $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year may be allocated for use by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in order to acquire, lease, improve, or assist other appropriate entities to acquire, lease, or improve railways for passenger and freight rail transportation purposes which the Board determines are for the common good of the Commonwealth or a region of the Commonwealth.
B. The Department shall report to the Secretary of Transportation and to the Chairmen of the Senate Committees on Finance and Transportation and the House Committees on Appropriations and Transportation by January 10, 2005, on the status of the Trans Dominion Express. The report shall include updated operating and capital costs to establish the line and potential funding sources. In addition, the report shall identify nonfinancial issues requiring resolution before the line can be started.
C. The Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation is directed to develop a plan to identify all available revenue sources to facilitate the extension of the Virginia Railway Express to Gainesville and Haymarket. As part of the plan, the director shall discuss the actions necessary for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation to take in order to construct the railroad infrastructure and develop an access agreement for use of such infrastructure. The Director shall examine the potential need to solicit a public-private transportation act proposal for such project and to consider use of Rail Enhancement Funds for the extension. The Director shall submit the plan to the Secretary of Transportation, the Chairmen of the House Transportation and Appropriations Committees, and the Chairmen of the Senate Transportation and Finance Committees by December 1, 2005.
D. It is the General Assembly's intent that the Department continue to strive towards developing a Trans Dominion Rail Pilot Project to demonstrate the capability of passenger rail service to enhance economic development and connectivity among the communities served between Bristol and Richmond.