RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION; AUTHORIZING A NEW MEXICO RAIL PASSENGER STUDY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. RAIL PASSENGER STUDY.--

A. The alliance for transportation research institute at the university of New Mexico shall conduct a feasibility study regarding the potential for passenger rail service linking the El Paso-Juarez metropolitan area with New Mexico towns and cities along the Rio Grande corridor and continuing on to Denver, Colorado. The study shall:

(1) identify the alignment, condition and ownership of tracks;

(2) define an integrated network for intercity rail travel; and

(3) provide alternatives for intermodal connections between the affected airports and passenger rail services.

B. The study shall investigate the potential for New Mexico passenger rail service links to the national intermodal transportation initiative, "Reconnecting America".

C. The study shall be conducted in collaboration with the state highway and transportation department.

D. The alliance for transportation research institute shall report to the governor and the legislature on study recommendations for potential intermodal links to regional and national transportation strategies and interstate rail travel.