2011 Vermont Code
Title 19 Highways
Chapter 1 STATE HIGHWAY LAW
§ 10e Statement of policy; railroads

§ 10e. Statement of policy; railroads

(a) The general assembly recognizes that rail service, both passenger and freight, is an integral part of the state's transportation network and that it must be fully integrated into the state's transportation network as a whole. Accordingly, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Vermont:

(1) To provide opportunities for rail passenger services by cooperating with the federal government, other states, and providers of those services, with priority to be given to the services likely to complement the state's other transportation resources and Vermont's economic development efforts and to meet the needs of the traveling public. Goals to increase passenger rail use will be in accordance with the agency's rail plan.

(2) To preserve and modernize for continued freight railroad service those railroad lines, both within the state of Vermont and extending into adjoining states, which directly affect the economy of the state or provide connections to other railroad lines which directly affect the economy of the state. Goals to increase freight rail use will be in accordance with the agency's rail plan.

(3) In those cases where continuation of freight railroad service is not economically feasible under present conditions, to preserve established railroad rights-of-way for future reactivation of railroad service, trail corridors, and other public purposes not inconsistent with future reactivation of railroad service.

(4) To seek federal aid for rail projects that implement this section's policy goals.

(5) To maintain and improve intercity bus and rail and freight and commuter rail services, and the necessary intermodal connections, and to increase the efficiency of equipment and the extent to which equipment selection and operation can limit or avoid the emission of greenhouse gases.

(6) To plan for increased ridership with city-to-city and commuter rail service, and for increased coordination of rail service with bus service, car-pooling, and ride-sharing opportunities.

(b) To complement the regular maintenance efforts of the lessee/operators of state-owned railroads, taking into account each line's long-term importance to the state's transportation network, economic development, the resources available to the lessee/operator and relevant provisions of leases and other agreements, the agency may develop programs to assist in major rehabilitation or replacement of obsolete bridges, structures, rails, and other fixtures.

(c) The agency of transportation shall, by January 15 of each year, submit a rail report to the members of the house and senate committees on transportation. The report shall include the status of projects programmed for delivery during the previous calendar year and a summary of any changes to the agency's organizational structure which may affect project delivery. (Added 1989, No. 121, { 4, eff. June 22, 1989; amended 2003, No. 56, { 12, eff. June 4, 2003; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), { 22; 2007, No. 209 (Adj. Sess.), { 8.)