HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-16Resolution 2021-16
A Resolution Supporting the Extension
of Passenger Rail Service to Bristol, Virginia
WHEREAS, passenger rail service is increasingly seen as a viable transportation alternative for
the Commonwealth and has proven successful in linking Roanoke, Lynchburg and other
regional cities with Amtrak's Northeast Regional Route to the urban centers of the Northeastern
Corridor; and,
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of Virginia in its recent budget directed the Secretary of
Transportation to provide an assessment of total project costs and incremental costs of
extending inter -city passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed extension of passenger rail service to Bristol offers many tangible
benefits including but not limited to: reducing reliance on Interstate 81 by providing efficient
cost-effective, long distance transportation; enhancing environmental preservation; promoting
economic development by offering greater access for developers and connections with the
state's more urbanized areas; and, creating a potential linkage with future rail projects in other
states and other regions of the Commonwealth; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski firmly believes that the expansion of passenger rail service to
Bristol through Southwest Virginia is necessary to provide these benefits, not only to Bristol but
to the entire 1-81 corridor;
NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia,
sitting in regular session this 201h day of April, 2021, that the Town fully supports the extension
of passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia and petitions the Virginia Department of
Transportation to secure funding for the necessary cost assessments as set forth in the state
budget.
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted the 20th day of April 2021 by
the duly recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
Lane R. Penn
Brooks R. Dawson
Gregory C. East
ATTEST:
AzI2
David N. Quesenberry
Clerk of Council
-Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
-Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
-Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
THE TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA
BY:
W. Shannon ins
Mayor