Charleston, WV - Senate Majority Leader John Unger(D - Berkeley) commended Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today for signing into law the West Virginia Commuter Rail Access Act.

The legislation provides authority for the West Virginia State Rail Authority to negotiate an agreement with the State of Maryland for operation of commuter rail in the Eastern Panhandle, provides for the payment of track access fees pursuant to the agreement, and creates a special fund to pay the track access fees.

"This bill is very important to the Eastern Panhandle. The direct appropriation provided will send the message to the State of Maryland that we need and appreciate this service," said Senator Unger, "I commend Governor Tomblin for signing this legislation into law."

"The new funding mechanism provides flexibility for the commuter train service to be supported through supplemental appropriations," said Senator Unger.