SENATE BILL NO. 198 Offered January 11, 2006 Prefiled January 10, 2006 A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.1-391.3:1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Rail Advisory Board. ---------- Patron-- Williams ---------- Referred to Committee on Transportation ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 33.1-391.3:1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 33.1-391.3:1. Rail Advisory Board.

There is hereby established the Rail Advisory Board to consist of nine members appointed by the Governor for terms of four years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. One of such appointees shall be an at-large member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The members of the Board shall elect a Chairman. The Board may, by majority vote, choose one of its members to serve as vice-chairman. The Board shall, in consultation with the Director, develop recommendations to be presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board regarding allocations of funds from the Rail Enhancement Fund. The Board shall also advise the Director and the Department on other matters at the request of the Director or the Department. The Board shall meet at the call of the Chairman. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of all Board business. The provisions of § 2.2-3112 shall not apply to members of the Rail Advisory Board.

The Board shall have the following responsibilities:

1. In consultation with, and with the assistance of the Director, the Board shall develop recommendations to be presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board regarding all proposed allocations of funds from the Rail Enhancement Fund.

2. The Board shall work cooperatively with the Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and with any affected railroad in identifying, developing, and advocating projects and policies to enhance the quality and utility to the public of rail transportation in the Commonwealth.

3. At the request of the Director, the Board shall consider and advise the Director and the Department on any other matter or matters pertaining to transportation in the Commonwealth.

Members of the Board shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in connection with their official duties. Staff support for the Board shall be provided by the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.