A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the department of transportation for SHORT‑LINE railroad matching grants.
Whereas, North Carolina's short-line railroads play a key role in the State's economic development and transportation service; and
Whereas, North Carolina's short-line railroads are needed to provide essential services to other modes of transportation and the North Carolina port system; and
Whereas, each $1 million in grant money for short-line railroads is known to reduce the cost per train car load significantly; and
Whereas, North Carolina freight service is dependent upon the short-line component of the delivery system; and
Whereas, North Carolina agriculture is dependent upon essential service by short-line railroads; and
Whereas, North Carolina economic development and commerce is dependent upon essential service by short-line railroads; and
Whereas, matching grant requests to improve tracks and to maintain and upgrade short-line railroads exceeded $8.2 million in 2006; and
Whereas, State funds are needed to maintain short-line railroads as a viable component of the State's freight delivery system and as a contributor to economic development, agriculture, and transportation in this State; and
Whereas, such funding for matching grants is essential in order to prevent the loss of regional rail service; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year to use as matching grants for short-line railroads.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.