§ 66-328. Powers and duties of Commission.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION

A.  The duties of the Commission are to:

1.  Secure the funding and authorization necessary to make passenger rail improvements a reality for the region;

2.  Examine and facilitate ways that states can form partnerships to implement improved passenger rail service in the region;

3.  Create and facilitate a long-term, interstate plan for high-speed rail passenger service implementation; and

4.  Serve as a liaison with Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration, the High-Speed Ground Transportation Association, and other regions and entities to ensure that the Midwest is adequately represented and integrated into national plans for passenger rail development.

B.  In addition to its exercise of these duties, the Commission may:

1.  Provide the multistate leadership necessary to implement the Interstate Midwest Regional Passenger Rail Compact;

2.  Work with local elected officials, economic development planning organizations, and similar entities to raise the visibility of passenger rail service needs; and

3.  Educate other state officials and the public on the advantages of passenger rail services as an integral part of an intermodal transportation system in the region.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 70, § 3, emerg. eff. April 7, 1999.