2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 28 - Future of the North Carolina Railroad Study Commission.

Article 28.

Future of the North Carolina Railroad Study Commission.

§ 120‑245.  Commission Established.

There is established the Future of the North Carolina Railroad Study Commission.  (1999‑237, s. 27.25(a).)

 

§ 120‑246.  Membership.

The Commission shall be composed of 18 members as follows:

(1)       Nine members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House.

(2)       Nine members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Terms on the Commission are for two years and begin on January 15 of each odd‑numbered year, except for the terms of the initial members, which begin on appointment. Members may complete a term of service on the Commission even if they do not seek reelection or are not reelected to the General Assembly, but resignation or removal from service in the General Assembly constitutes resignation or removal from service on the Commission. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(b); 2000‑138, s. 8.1; 2001‑486, s. 2.8.)

 

§ 120‑247.  Duties of the Commission.

The Commission shall study the following matters:

(1)       The importance of railroads and railroad infrastructure     improvements to economic development in North Carolina,     including improvements to short line railroads.

(2)       Issues important to the future of passenger and freight rail service in North Carolina.

(3)       Methods to expedite property disputes between railroads and private landowners.

(4)       All aspects of the operation, structure, management, and long‑range plans of the North Carolina Railroad.

The Commission's study of these and any other matters is not intended and shall not delay the North Carolina Railroad Company's contract negotiations with freight and passenger rail service operators including Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority and Norfolk Southern Railway Company. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(c); 2000‑138, s. 8.2; 2000‑146, s. 12.)

 

§ 120‑248.  Vacancies.

Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by the appointing authority. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(d).)

 

§ 120‑249.  Cochairs.

Cochairs of the Commission shall be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate from among their respective appointees. The Commission shall meet upon the call of the cochairs. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(e).)

 

§ 120‑250.  Quorum.

A quorum of the Commission shall be nine members. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(f).)

 

§ 120‑251.  Expenses of Members.

Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances in accordance with G.S. 120‑3.1. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(g).)

 

§ 120‑252.  Staff.

Adequate staff shall be provided to the Commission by the Legislative Services Office. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(h).)

 

§ 120‑253.  Consultants.

The Commission may hire consultants to assist with the study. Before expending any funds for a consultant, the Commission shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on the consultant selected, the work products to be provided by the consultant, and the cost of the contract, including an itemization of the cost components. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(i).)

 

§ 120‑254.  Meeting Location.

The Legislative Services Commission shall grant adequate meeting space to the Commission in the State Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(j).)

 

§ 120‑255.  Reports.

The Commission shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly on or before the convening of the regular session of the General Assembly each year. (1999‑237, s. 27.25(k); 2000‑138, s. 8.3; 2000‑146, s. 13.)

 

§ 120‑256.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

§ 120‑257.  Reserved for future codification purposes.