Bill Text: VA SJR63 | 2010 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: DRPT; study funding of high-speed and intercity passenger rail operations in State.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ63ER) [SJR63 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-SJR63-Comm_Sub.html
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10104526D
WHEREAS, Virginia is in the process of establishing high-speed passenger rail service between Richmond and Washington and between Richmond and Hampton Roads to advance the federally designated Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor; and WHEREAS, with its investment in new intercity passenger rail operations between Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia became the 15th state to invest in such operations in the Northeast Corridor; and WHEREAS, high-speed and intercity passenger rail service provides an alternative to the use of highways for travelers, especially intercity business travelers; and WHEREAS, by decreasing use of highways, increased use of high-speed and intercity passenger rail service can reduce highway congestion and improve air quality; and WHEREAS, increased use of high-speed and intercity passenger rail service can also stimulate the economy by creating new jobs; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study funding of high-speed and intercity passenger rail operations in the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee shall consist of 10 members appointed as follows: four members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and six members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates. The joint subcommittee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall assess the most efficient and beneficial method by which such high-speed and intercity passenger rail operations should be funded. Administrative staff support shall be provided by the Office of the Clerk of the Senate. Legal, research, policy analysis, and other services as requested by the joint subcommittee shall be provided by the Division of Legislative Services. Technical assistance shall be provided by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Office of the Virginia Secretary of Transportation. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee for this study, upon request. The joint subcommittee shall be limited to four meetings for the 2010 interim, and the direct costs of this study shall not exceed $10,000 without approval as set out in this resolution. Approval for unbudgeted nonmember-related expenses shall require the written authorization of the chairman of the joint subcommittee and the respective Clerk. If a companion joint resolution of the other chamber is agreed to, written authorization of both Clerks shall be required. No recommendation of the joint subcommittee shall be adopted if a majority of the Senate members or a majority of the House members appointed to the joint subcommittee (i) vote against the recommendation and (ii) vote for the recommendation to fail notwithstanding the majority vote of the joint subcommittee. The joint subcommittee shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2010, and the chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2011 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the joint subcommittee intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a document. The executive summary and report, if any, shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website. Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may approve or disapprove expenditures for this study, extend or delay the period for the conduct of the study, or authorize additional meetings during the 2010 interim. |
