SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 29
(By Senators Ross, Helmick, Sharpe, Schoonover, Love, Hunter,
Anderson, Sprouse, Deem, Ball, Minear, Fanning, Buckalew and
Kimble)
Requesting the Department of Transportation, the State Rail
Authority, the Department of Health and Human Resources, the
Division of Tourism and Parks and the West Virginia
Development Office to create a task force for the purpose of
devising a plan to utilize, and foster the utilization of, the
West Virginia Central Railroad to attract tourists, bring
industrial development and promote the increase of economic
well-being in our state.
Whereas, Last year the Legislature authorized the purchase of
the West Virginia Central Railroad from CSX for the price of three
million dollars in cash plus three million dollars in other
considerations; and
Whereas, The one hundred thirty-two miles of track, adjoining
property and surrounding area which makes up the West Virginia
Central Railroad and its environs has the potential to be developed
for recreational and industrial uses; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Central Railroad is currently being
utilized only in a limited manner for hauling freight; and
Whereas, Development and utilization of the West Virginia Central Railroad has the potential to provide jobs for West
Virginians, especially those who have already entered, or will soon
enter, the workforce under the state and federal programs of
welfare to work; as well as the potential to bring in tourism and
industry; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby requests the Department of
Transportation, the State Rail Authority, the Department of Health
and Human Resources, the Division of Tourism and Parks, and the West
Virginia Development Office to appoint representatives to a special
task force to formulate a comprehensive plan as soon as possible
for the use of the West Virginia Central Railroad and its
surrounding area for the public so that it may become a valuable
recreational and tourist resource, as well as a source for
employment for West Virginia citizens and growth opportunities for
business and industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Department of
Transportation, the General Manager/Executive Director of the State
Rail Authority, the Commissioner of the Department of Health and
Human Resources, the Commissioner of the Division of Tourism and
Parks, the Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office and the Governor.