Department of Rail and Public Transportation releases statewide rail plan

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has released the Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan for public review and comment.  The comprehensive plan will provide a defined vision for passenger and freight rail transportation in Virginia through 2040.  It profiles the Commonwealth’s current rail assets, services, and capacity chokepoints. Recommended improvement projects are included as part of the Rail Resource Allocation Plan, a tool that establishes funding sources, funding needs, and phasing for rail projects. Projects were identified using public and stakeholder input, and extensive evaluation of future population and employment trends, land use, and travel demand.

“DRPT continues to demonstrate its effectiveness by improving and adding rail service in the Commonwealth despite major policy changes at the national level,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell.  “This plan shows how a small agency of dedicated individuals can maximize state’s resources to move passengers and goods efficiently, buoyed by the landmark transportation funding legislation signed into law this spring.”

“The Virginia Statewide Rail Plan provides a vision that will help guide the Commonwealth towards meeting its transportation goal of moving people and goods efficiently and effectively,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

The Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan is posted online for a 30-day public review and comment period and can be viewed here. Comments received before 30 days will be summarized in the Plan.  Please direct comments to the Department’s public information office at[email protected]  or at the address below.

Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Rail & Public Transportation
600 East Main Street, Suite 2102
Richmond, VA 23219
Attention: Public Information Office – VSRP Comments

DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please visit the website at www.drpt.virginia.gov or contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Linda Maiden, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.