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2017 SESSION

17102726D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 246
Offered January 11, 2017
Prefiled December 29, 2016
Requesting the Secretary of Transportation to study the feasibility of establishing an additional inland port facility in the Roanoke Region and New River Valley. Report.
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Patron-- Edwards
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the recently completed upgrade of the Panama Canal presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to become the center for international trade and distribution east of the Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Region and New River Valley, ideally located at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 77, Route 460, and the Heartland and Crescent corridors operated by Norfolk Southern, are experiencing economic expansion from companies with international reach and demand; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Region and New River Valley are just a few hours away from producers with similar distribution interests in neighboring states; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Secretary of Transportation be requested to study the feasibility of establishing an additional inland port facility in the Roanoke Region and the New River Valley.

In conducting its study, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider the benefits to the Roanoke Region and the New River Valley as well as the rest of the Commonwealth and the costs associated with establishing an additional inland port facility, including potential funding sources such as federal funding sources; the transportation, port, and rail industry agencies; and the specific localities best situated for direct benefit.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Secretary of Transportation for this study, upon request.

The Secretary of Transportation shall complete his work by November 30, 2017, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of his findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2018 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.