(A) The Office of Railroads is established within the Division of Intermodal and Freight Programs. The office is principally responsible for:
(1) preserving railroad rights-of-way for future use and coordinating the preparation of a state railroad corridor preservation and revitalization plan;
(2) coordinating high-speed and intercity passenger rail planning and development;
(3) planning, developing, maintaining, and coordinating a comprehensive state rail plan for passenger and freight railroads and infrastructure services with other modes of transportation to help facilitate effective and efficient interstate and intrastate movement of people and freight;
(4) applying for and receiving state, federal, or other funds for passenger and freight rail service and infrastructure needs, high-speed and intercity passenger rail planning and development, and rail corridor preservation and revitalization programs; and
(5) preparing and submitting by February first of each year a full, printed, detailed report to the House Education and Public Works Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee containing an analysis of the:
(a) state railroad corridor preservation and revitalization plan; and
(b) comprehensive state rail plan for passenger and freight railroads and infrastructure services.
(B) Every five years the office must develop and prepare a comprehensive state rail plan for passenger and freight railroads and infrastructure services. The plan must be approved by the United States Department of Transportation. The plan, and any updates, must be submitted to the General Assembly.
(C) All departments, boards, public authorities, or other agencies of the State or its political subdivisions, local government, transportation authorities, and other local public entities must cooperate with the office, provide assistance, data, and advice upon request, and must reimburse any such entity necessary costs in the event of any expense. This authority does not preclude another governmental entity, public or private organization, or individual from entering into a contract or agreement concerning the purposes set forth in this section.
(D) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to subrogate the powers and duties of the Division of Public Railways to the Office of Railroads.
HISTORY: 2010 Act No. 206, Section 5, eff June 7, 2010.