SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

1997 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 215
Requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board to consider the costs and benefits of high-speed passenger rail service.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 17, 1997
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 13, 1997

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 Commonwealth Transportation Board be 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 and railroads, public hearings, identification of potential funding sources, and full and complete environmental documentation in accordance with federal regulations and requirements.