SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 53
(By Senators Unger, Jenkins, Barnes, D. Facemire, K. Facemyer,
Fanning, Plymale, Stollings and White)
[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure; reported April 2, 2009.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
State Rail Plan and the possible expansion of the plan, in
addition to the funding, manpower, compliance issues regarding
short-line railroads and the possible need for increased
authority of the State Rail Authority.
Whereas, The State Rail Authority is responsible for funding
and maintaining short-line railroads owned by the state; and
Whereas, The State Rail Plan has not been reviewed and updated
for some time; and
Whereas, The time has come that the state should consider the
need to expand the use of short-line railroads and the associated
issues related to the State Rail Authority, including such items as
manpower, authority, expansion, commuter rail service such as the
Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service in this state,
intermodal transportation in conjunction with the West Virginia
Public Port Authority and compliance with federal regulations; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the need to conduct a study into the possible future of the State Rail Authority and the
need for a short-line railroad funding program; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the State Rail Plan and the possible expansion
of the plan, in addition to the funding, manpower, compliance
issues regarding short-line railroads and the possible need for
increased authority of the State Rail Authority; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.