HB 3233
Expands requirements for the passenger rail plan.
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Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to collaborate with Washington State and British Columbia on planning, funding, and operations for passenger rail service along the Cascades Rail Corridor. It requires ODOT to submit quarterly reports on rail performance and biennial reports on regional rail plans to the Legislative Assembly. The bill also allows ODOT to enter into agreements with other transportation agencies to coordinate shared objectives and pursue funding opportunities.
Key provisions
- ODOT must collaborate with Washington State and British Columbia on Cascades rail planning.
- ODOT must submit quarterly reports on passenger rail performance to the Joint Committee on Transportation.
- ODOT must submit biennial reports on regional rail plans to the Legislative Assembly.
- ODOT can enter into agreements with the Washington State Department of Transportation for coordinated rail service development.
- The bill directs ODOT to develop a shared regional approach to rail, including a vision, goals, and investment priorities.
- ODOT is tasked with developing federal funding applications aligned with the shared plans.
- ODOT must establish a stakeholder outreach program for rail service.
- ODOT is responsible for overseeing daily passenger rail operations and marketing.
Who is affected
- Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the proposed legislation emphasize its potential to enhance rail transportation infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on connecting rural communities and promoting economic growth. They highlight the benefits of prioritizing public transportation over road infrastructure, citing examples such as Oregon's successful Amtrak Cascades service, which has increased ridership. The testifiers also advocate for increasing capacity of railway infrastructure to address regional transportation needs, including investing in safe, economical, environmental, and equitable technology. Additionally, they support a shared regional approach to passenger rail, collaboration among Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia transportation departments, and the restoration of old rail lines to provide reliable transit options for underserved communities, ultimately promoting social cohesion and economic development.
Source: Testimony Summaries
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