Department of Rail and Public Transportation (505)

Authority: Title 33.1, Code of Virginia.

A. Except as provided in Item 440, the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall operate the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Program in accordance with § 33.1-221.1:1.2, Code of Virginia.  The board may allocate funds pursuant to § 33.1-23.1, Code of Virginia, to the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund.

B. The Commonwealth Transportation Board shall operate the Rail Industrial Access Program in accordance with §33.1-221.1:1, Code of Virginia.  The board may allocate funds pursuant to §33.1-23.1, Code of Virginia, to the fund for construction of industrial access railroad tracks. 

C. Because of the overwhelming need for the development of a balanced transportation system in the Commonwealth, upon approval by the Commonwealth Transportation Board and notwithstanding the provisions of § 33.1-221.1:1.1, Code of Virginia, the 30 percent match requirement for the Rail Enhancement Fund is hereby waived exclusively for funding allocated from such fund for improvements for the Richmond/Hampton Roads Passenger Rail Project between Richmond and Norfolk in the 2012-2014 biennium.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in implementing the provisions of the Intercity Passenger Rail Operating and Capital Fund created pursuant to § 33.1-221.1:1.3, Code of Virginia, the Commonwealth Transportation Board may allocate such funds as it deems necessary from the Rail Enhancement Fund, created pursuant to § 33.1-221.1:1.1, Code of Virginia.  Such funding shall not exceed $6,700,000 the first year and $19,400,000 the second year.