HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-15w
~ ~ J
• Resolution 2003-15
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RAIL ALTERNATIVES TO COMPLEMENT
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERSTATE 81.
WHEREAS, the I-81 corridor is increasingly the route of choice for trucks traveling
between the northeast and the south and southwest because of congestion on 1-95 and
expanding shipments generated by the North American Free Trade Act; and,
WHEREAS, two corporations, Halliburton and Fluor Corporations, have submitted
proposals to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to expand the number of
lanes and other appurtenances on I-81; and,
WHEREAS, Norfolk-Southern Corporation estimates that seventy percent (70%) of
truck traffic on I-81 passes through Virginia to destinations south or north; and,
WHEREAS, the minimal rail freight proposals included in the Star Solutions and Fluor
Public Private Partnership Act proposals do not adequately address rail freight potential in
the whole I-81 corridor; and,
WHEREAS, these same proposals provide no option for passenger rail, although
• upgrading the corridor's main rail line secures the passenger rail option; and,
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is now planning the future of the I-81
corridor, those decisions containing dramatic impacts for the future of Western Virginia;
and,
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia's decision on this corridor will determine
whether I-81 and connecting interstates will become amulti-state "East Coast Truck By-
Pass' ;and,
WHEREAS, the increased use of rail for the movement of freight up the I-81 corridor
will reduce air pollution, dependence on fossil fuels and reduce traffic conflicts with
passenger vehicles.
WHEREAS, the increased use of raikoads to move freight will improve safety by
reducing dangerous vehicular congestion on I-81, improve energy conservation by reducing
the amount of diesel fuel consumed for freight transportation, and improve the health of
people and other forms of life in western Virginia by dampening the rate of increase in
diesel engine-generated toxic emissions along I-81; and,
WHEREAS, the creation of additional freight rail capacity paralleling I-81 in Virginia
and Tennessee may spur creation of new freight rail capacity nationwide, resulting in more
shipping options at lower cost for the Nation's businesses.
.~
• NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Town of Pulaski
strongly petitions for the development and promotion of rail freight and passenger service
parallel to I-81, to compliment highway widening and to move a large volume of the long-
distance freight from trucks on I-81 to freight trains on dual track high-speed rails parallel
to I-81.
This Resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted this 2°d day of September, 2003 by
vote of the Town Council as follows:
Jeffery S. Worrell -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye
Kenneth M. Fleenor -Aye John T. Bolen -Aye
E. G. Black, Jr -Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. -Aye
Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye
BY: ~~~ a~
Charles W. Stewart, Jr. Mayor
ATT T:
•
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
C,
.7
C
I, Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council, certify that the foregoing Resolution 2003-15, In
Support of Rail Alternatives to Complement Planned Improvements to Interstate 81, was
adopted at a regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held on Tuesday, September 2,
2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 42 First Street,
NW in Pulaski, Virginia, 24301.
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
9 - ~~~, 3
Date Certified
tc/c/res/2003-15
•
•
I certify that the above Resolution 2003-1 S, In Support of Rail Alternatives to Complement Planned
Improvements to Interstate 81 was adopted at a regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held on
Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 42 First
Street, NW in Pulaski, Virginia, 24301.
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
•