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HJ0005 • 2023

Passenger rail service.

A JOINT RESOLUTION in support of interstate passenger rail expansion.

Inactive

Wyoming marks this bill as inactive, which usually means it is no longer moving in the current session.

Sponsor
Representative Sherwood
Last action
2023-02-07
Official status
inactive
Effective date
3/1/2023

Plain English Breakdown

The resolution is marked as inactive by the state, which means it may no longer be moving forward in its current session.

Support for Interstate Passenger Rail Expansion

This resolution supports expanding passenger rail service between states by requesting research on funding opportunities and encouraging collaboration among Wyoming's cities, towns, public and private stakeholders, and neighboring states.

What This Bill Does

  • Requests the governor’s office and the Wyoming Department of Transportation to research ways to expand interstate passenger rail services and identify potential funding sources.
  • Encourages cities, towns, and other groups in Wyoming to work together with the state's transportation department on planning for more passenger rail infrastructure.
  • Requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation to monitor new rail planning efforts in neighboring states that could affect Wyoming.
  • Participates in regional studies and collaborations such as the Front Range Passenger Rail Study and Montana’s Big Sky Rail Authority to support expanding passenger rail service.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The governor's office
  • Wyoming Department of Transportation
  • Cities, towns, and other public and private groups in Wyoming

Terms To Know

Interstate passenger rail expansion
Expanding train services that connect different states.
Front Range Passenger Rail Study
A study looking at ways to improve train travel in the area around Denver, Colorado.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The resolution does not provide funding for rail expansion.
  • It is unclear if and when new passenger rail services will be implemented based on this resolution alone.

Bill History

  1. 2023-02-07 House

    H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4

  2. 2023-02-07 House

    H No report prior to CoW Cutoff

  3. 2023-01-20 House

    H Introduced and Referred to H06 - Travel

  4. 2023-01-19 House

    H Received for Introduction

  5. 2023-01-18 LSO

    Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
23LSO-0652
2023
State of Wyoming
23LSO-0652
Numbered
2.0

House JOINT RESOLUTION NO. HJ0005

Passenger rail service.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Sherwood, Eklund, Larson, JT, Niemiec, Storer, Trujillo, Wylie and Zwonitzer, Dv and Senator(s) Kolb and Schuler

A JOINT RESOLUTION

for

A JOINT RESOLUTION in support of interstate passenger rail expansion.

WHEREAS, the railroad has shaped the history of Wyoming. From the first tracks laid in 1867, the establishment of a transcontinental railroad attracted new residents west and provided Wyoming's agricultural and mineral products access to distant markets. It also created supporting industries, including locomotive maintenance, steel manufacturing, coal mining and logging for railroad ties that spurred economic development; and

WHEREAS, while Wyoming's railroads historically offered extensive passenger service, there has been no regularly scheduled passenger rail services in the state since Amtrak discontinued its pioneer route across southern Wyoming in May of 1997; and

WHEREAS, many of Wyoming's cities and towns owe their very existence to the railroads; and

WHEREAS, much of rural America is underserved by long-distance passenger rail options; and

WHEREAS, railway investment can spur economic growth by stimulating travel and tourism spending in Wyoming's rural communities and at the state's cultural attractions; and

WHEREAS, expanded rail infrastructure can promote economic opportunity by fostering a business environment that attracts investment and creates jobs; and

WHEREAS, expanded rail infrastructure can encourage individuals to travel by rail, reducing highway wear and traffic crashes and giving passengers an alternative mode of transportation during inclement weather; and

WHEREAS, Wyoming wishes to collaborate with states in the rocky mountain region to re-establish an intermountain corridor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING:

Section 1.

That the legislature requests that the governor's office and the Wyoming department of transportation research interstate passenger rail expansion and identify opportunities for funding interstate rail including sources to implement, operate and maintain the proposed service.

Section 2.

That the governor's office and the Wyoming department of transportation work with cities, towns and public and private stakeholders to evaluate the expansion of passenger rail infrastructure in Wyoming.

Section 3.

That the Wyoming department of transportation monitor new passenger rail planning efforts in neighboring states that could set the stage for the future development of potential passenger rail service in the region.

Section 4.

That the Wyoming department of transportation continue its participation in the front range passenger rail study in coordination with the Colorado department of transportation.

Section 5.

That the Wyoming department of transportation participate with Montana's big sky rail authority as appropriate to create a regional base of support for expanding passenger rail service on corridors that serve Wyoming and Montana.

Section 6.

That the Wyoming department of transportation, the Colorado department of transportation and the Montana big sky rail authority identify a potential service implementation schedule and explore operating agreements with Amtrak and the Union Pacific Railroad Company for the return of long-distance passenger rail service across Wyoming.

Section 7.

That a report be prepared by the governor's office and the Wyoming department of transportation for the legislature and members of Wyoming's Congressional Delegation on recommendations for expanding passenger rail infrastructure and funding opportunities.

Section 8.

That the Secretary of State of Wyoming transmit copies of this resolution to the Wyoming Congressional Delegation, the governor's office, the Wyoming department of transportation and the Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Utah governors, legislatures and departments of transportation.

(END)

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HJ0005