Vermont § 7 - Executive Order No. 5-7 (No. 13-11) [Vermont Rail Advisory Council]

§ 7. Executive Order No. 5-7 (No. 13-11) [Vermont Rail Advisory Council]

• WHEREAS, Vermont has more than 700 miles of railroad trackage, much of which is underutilized
  at present; and WHEREAS, rail transportation is the most energy-saving and cost-efficient, and climate-friendly
  mode of transportation, particularly for certain categories of freight traffic; and WHEREAS, passenger rail service, appropriately planned, operated and marketed, provides
  an added modal option to Vermont residents and visitors, offering benefits to tourism
  and other segments of the Vermont economy; and WHEREAS, investment of federal and state funds in Vermont’s railroad infrastructure
  should be based on realistic planning and analysis; and WHEREAS, the quality of decision making can be enhanced by providing a forum to bring
  together input and insight from many sectors of the Vermont economy, both private
  and public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the power vested
  in me as Governor, do hereby establish the Vermont Rail Advisory Council and designate
  its membership and duties as follows: 1. The Council shall be composed of not more than 15 persons appointed by the Governor,
  plus the Vermont Secretary of Transportation (or his/her designee from within the
  Agency of Transportation), who shall serve as Chair. Members may include representatives
  of privately owned railroads, designated operators on state-owned railroads, freight
  shippers, environmental and economic development organizations, regional chambers
  of commerce, regional planning commissions, the House and Senate transportation committees,
  travel and recreation organizations, and others whose knowledge and expertise may
  be deemed beneficial to the State’s efforts to encourage rail use and development.
  To the extent that funds permit, members shall receive reimbursement of expenses and
  a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010. The Council is authorized to obtain administrative assistance from the Vermont Agency
  of Transportation, and the Secretary of Transportation is directed to provide such
  assistance as required. The council may have additional members, to be appointed by
  the Secretary of Transportation subject to the Governor’s approval, who shall not
  vote or receive expense reimbursement or per diem but who may otherwise participate
  in Council business and assist in the Council’s efforts. 2. The Council shall meet no less than four times a year, excluding meetings of subcommittees.
  By December 31st of each year, the Council shall make a report of its activities,
  findings and recommendations to the Governor. 3. The Council is charged with the following responsibilities: A. The Council shall serve as an advisory group to the Agency of Transportation and to
  any consultants working for the Agency on statewide rail issues; B. Working with the Agency of Transportation and affected railroads, the Council shall
  examine what steps state government can take to enhance rail freight service, both
  as such service relates to economic development and to relieving the burden of heavy
  truck traffic on Vermont highways; C. The Council shall examine existing rail passenger services in Vermont, including possible
  extension, consolidation, enhancement, or rerouting of such services; D. Working with the Agency of Transportation, affected municipalities, regional planning
  and development agencies, railroad owners/operators, and the travel industry, the
  Council shall examine the availability of attractive passenger station facilities,
  including availability of parking, public transportation and taxi services. E. The Council shall serve as a forum for those interested in rail-related issues, including
  policy makers, municipalities, regional planning and economic development organizations,
  rail operators, rail shippers, rail passengers, and others; and F. The Council shall encourage cooperative relationships between the Agency of Transportation
  and rail operators. 4. The terms of the members of the Council shall be for a period of two years, and appointments
  made and terms established pursuant to the predecessor executive order shall remain
  in place pursuant to this superseding executive order. This Executive Order shall take effect upon execution and supersedes Executive Order
  13-03 (codified as Executive Order No. 5-6). Dated October 20, 2011.