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1997 SESSION

970777761
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 215
Senate Amendments in [ ] -- January 23, 1997
[ Endorsing Concerning ] [ certain the Commonwealth Transportation Board's ] improvements to tracks, signals, and facilities essential to high-speed rail passenger service and expressing [ the sense of the General Assembly in support of support for the ] continued [ funding study ] of such improvements [ for the benefit of the traveling public ] .
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Patrons-- Waddell and Wampler; Delegate: Robinson
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the transportation system is dependent on viable transportation alternatives for shippers and travelers; and

WHEREAS, the continued economic development of and quality of life in the states is directly dependent on a balanced, smoothly operating, multimodal transportation system; and

WHEREAS, studies undertaken by the Commonwealth of Virginia and others indicate that there is potential for high-speed rail service in certain corridors; and

WHEREAS, increased use of railroads not only promotes economic development but also reduces transportation's impact on the environment and consumption of energy; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive network of privately owned rail corridors exists that could be improved with public investment in order to carry significant numbers of passengers between metropolitan areas and to increase the capacity to carry freight.; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Railroad Administration has designated certain corridors in Virginia as potential high-speed rail corridors under Section 1010 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act; and

WHEREAS, federal funding has been provided to the Commonwealth under Section 1010 to improve grade crossings in anticipation of increased rail passenger service speeds; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's studies are identifying phased improvements necessary for increased capacity and speeds on certain rail corridors; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has programmed funding for the first phases of improvement to the Richmond-DC Corridor to reduce travel times; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board and Congress have also allocated funds for the Virginia Railway Express Commuter Rail System for improvements that will decrease travel times and increase frequency of all rail services; now, therefore, be it

[ RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the improvements to the tracks, signals, and facilities of the potential high-speed rail passenger service, as approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, are hereby endorsed and that it is the sense of the General Assembly that continued funding of these improvements be supplied for the benefit of the traveling public. RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Commonwealth Transportation Board is hereby requested to fully consider the costs and benefits of high speed passenger rail service, such consideration to include formal consultation with all affected localities, public hearings, identification of potential funding sources, and full and complete environmental documentation. ]