(a) The Agency shall be the authorized Agency of the State for participation in and the receipt of grants and assistance through federal rail assistance legislation, and may receive such grants notwithstanding the provisions of 32 V.S.A. § 5.

(b) The Agency shall establish a State plan for rail transportation and local rail services which shall provide for the equitable distribution of funds received, including federal grants or loans, among State, local, and regional transportation authorities.

(c) The Agency shall administer any plan developed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and shall have authority and administrative jurisdiction to develop, promote, supervise, and support adequate, safe, and efficient rail services. (Added 1973, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. March 29, 1974; amended 1993, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 45.)