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 highway and rail freight movements to and from the Port of Virginia and the APM Terminals in South Hampton Roads. In conducting the study, the VMASC shall consider current and projected freight movements, impacts on surrounding communities and the supporting highway and rail networks, energy consumption, and economic costs and benefits to the entire Commonwealth. The VMASC shall coordinate the studies through the Secretary of Transportation and with the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the ongoing Virginia statewide freight study. VMASC shall provide interim reports to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Transportation Committees no later than November 1, 2007, and a final report no later than November 1, 2008.

D. The Higher Education Operating fund source listed in this Item is considered to be a sum sufficient appropriation, which is an estimate of funding required by the University to cover sponsored program operations.