SENATE BILL 528
54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019
INTRODUCED BY
Pete Campos
AN ACT
RELATING TO PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE; AMENDING THE RAILROAD PLANNING AND PROJECTS ACT; DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ADDRESS THE CONTINUATION OF AMTRAK SERVICE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
SECTION 1. Section 63-3A-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1985, Chapter 36, Section 1) is amended to read:
"63-3A-1. SHORT TITLE.--[This act] Chapter 63, Article 3A NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Railroad Planning and Projects Act"."
SECTION 2. A new section of the Railroad Planning and Projects Act is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] MAINTENANCE OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO.--Beginning immediately after the effective date of this 2019 act, the department of transportation shall engage in discussions or negotiations with Amtrak and BNSF railway company and other appropriate parties, including the federal railroad administration and the state of Colorado, for the purpose of reaching accords that will lead toward meeting the goals of the New Mexico state rail plan and will provide that in consideration for support from New Mexico, including constitutionally valid financial support, Amtrak shall continue passenger service in northern New Mexico serving Lamy, Las Vegas, Raton and the Philmont scout ranch."
SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION.--Five million dollars ($5,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of transportation for expenditure in fiscal year 2020 and subsequent fiscal years to provide constitutionally valid financial support arising from any accord the department of transportation may reach with Amtrak, BNSF railway company and other appropriate parties as consideration for the continuation by Amtrak of passenger rail service in northern New Mexico. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.
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