Vermont § 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, that directly
  affect the economy of the State or provide connections to other railroad lines that
  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) [Repealed.] (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; 2013, No. 167 (Adj. Sess.), § 24.)