HCS/HB 1117 - This act establishes the Missouri and Midwest Rail Integration and Improvement Commission Act. The act establishes the Missouri and Midwest Rail Integration and Improvement Commission. The commission shall consist of 15 members, 12 of which shall be public members appointed by the Governor with the directors of the departments of Transportation and Economic Development and the chairperson of the Highways and Transportation Commission serving as ex-officio members. The member qualifications, the procedure for filling vacancies, and the reimbursement of travel expenses are set forth in the act. Under the terms of the act, the commission must:
(1) Meet at least monthly until April 2013 and at least quarterly thereafter;
(2) Prepare and issue a report to the Governor, General Assembly, and the public recommending the best governmental structure for a public-private partnership to design, build, operate, maintain, and finance an improved rail system for Missouri and the Midwest by March 20, 2013. The report must include recommendations for legislation; regulations; funding sources; and ways to integrate the improved rail system into existing and planned Amtrak expansions, airports, and public transportation systems;
(3) Prepare a follow-up report by February 1, 2013, that details the status of its recommendations and any revised and updated recommendations based on further public and stakeholder input;
(4) Develop a process for receiving public and stakeholder input on opinions and proposals for an improved rail system and to include the solicitation and receipt of formal expressions of interest and other testimony from global improved rail operators including Amtrak;
(5) Solicit and receive testimony from representatives of other Midwestern states, including local governments; and
(6) Work collaboratively with the Department of Transportation on any planning projects for an improved rail system administered by the department to comply with federal improved rail
requirements including the solicitation of public input.
The department may provide staff and other support to the commission from funds available to the department for this purpose. The General Assembly may appropriate funds to the department to provide staff and other support, and the commission may accept monetary or in-kind gifts from any public or private source.
Nothing in the act shall preclude the Department of Transportation from planning for any improved rail system.
STEPHEN WITTE