SB1572: Relating to a study on extending the Westside Express Service commuter line to Salem; declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

The Act requires ODOT to study extending the WES commuter rail line to Salem. The Act creates an advisory committee to aid ODOT in its study. Requires ODOT to partner with the advisory committee as part of the process of conducting the study. Tells ODOT to use an IGA with the MWVCOG to provide staff support for the advisory committee. Tells ODOT to also conduct gap analysis of the data from an earlier ODOT rail study. ODOT must submit a report no later than December 1, 2024. Gives money to ODOT to pay for the costs of the study. The Act takes effect as soon as it is passed. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.2). [Digest: The Act requires ODOT to study extending the WES commuter rail line to Salem. The Act creates an advisory committee to aid ODOT in its study. Requires ODOT to consult with the advisory committee as part of the process of conducting the study. ODOT must submit a report no later than December 1, 2024. Gives money to ODOT to pay for the costs of the study. The Act takes effect as soon as it is passed. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.4).] Requires the Department of Transportation, [after consulting] in partnership with the Westside Express Advisory Committee, to study extending the Westside Express Service commuter line to Salem. Directs the department to delegate, through an intergovernmental agreement, with the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments performance of administrative functions of the advisory committee. Directs the department, as part of the study, to conduct a gap analysis of the data components of the 2010 Rail Study undertaken by the department. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to transportation not later than December 1, 2024. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation for the study. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.