Public Comment Sought For New State Rail Plan

Wilmington -- The Delaware Department of Transportation and DART First State have prepared a new State Rail Plan (SRP), which is currently available for public review and comment. The SRP is a project of Delaware Transit Corporation and the DelDOT Division of Planning, with consultant services from Parsons Brinckerhoff and S.L. Bassford and Associates. The Plan was prepared specifically in response to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) which requires states to maintain current rail plans as a condition for federal funding (and it is timely since the last SRP dates from the year 2000).

The SRP identifies the Delaware goals for freight and passenger rail as elements of the overall transportation system. Much of the SRP text comprises an inventory of railroads operating in the state, their tracks and facilities, commodities and customers, and passenger services and stations. The SRP identifies opportunities for expanded service as well as potential chokepoints and other obstacles. The Plan summarizes projects currently underway and those recently completed, some of which may serve as models for future public-private partnerships. The state plan discusses DelDOT's organization for managing rail-related activities and cooperation with private rail companies, neighboring states, and regional partnerships. The SRP concludes with a listing of all identified potential rail improvements and areas for further study.

The SRP can be viewed on DartFirstState.com in the DART Programs menu, and under Transportation Programs. Public comment can also be made via the DART website or by mail. Comments may also be made by telephone by calling 800-652-DART. After the public comment period concludes on May 16th, and approved by the Acting Secretary of DelDOT, the final plan will be filed with the Federal Railroad Administration, and placed on the DART website