4.3. SR 04-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. of-way and rolling stock for various commuter rail, urban rail transit, and intercity rail projects throughout California funded a majority of the remaining capital expenses.2 Federal grants have been used to fund some ongoing capital improvement and maintenance projects. Miami Tri-Rail The Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority, a special use authority created by the State of Florida, operates a 66-mile commuter railroad serving 17 stations, including three international airports in southern Florida. Commuter rail service was initiated in 1989 as a means of reducing mobility impacts associated with construction on Interstate 95. The State of Florida provided funding from its transportation trust fund to cover debt service associated with the $264 million cost of initial right-of-way acquisition from the CSX Railroad. The state also provided funding to cover debt service associated with the $80 million initial cost of track improvements, station construction, and rolling stock. The Federal Railroad Administration provided loan guarantees to reduce the financing costs associated with this debt. The state transportation trust fund receives revenue from motor fuel taxes, motor vehicle license fees, motor vehicle initial registration fees, aviation fuels taxes, and rental car surcharge fees.3 . Washington Virginia Railway Express The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) operates on two lines serving commuter needs between northern Virginia suburbs and Washington Union Station. In contrast to systems in southern California and southern Florida, the VRE does not own its right-of-way. VRE contracts with CSXT, Norfolk Southern, Conrail, and Amtrak for track access.4 The initial capital cost of $155 million funded rolling stock and several stations closest to downtown Washington. Local jurisdictions and private railroads own most of the outlying stations. Many local jurisdictions developed park-and-ride facilities around stations at their own expense. Less than one percent of the capital funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration. Bonds supported by the revenues of a 2 % motor fuel sales tax administered by two regional transportation districts provided nearly two-thirds of the total capital funding. The taxes did not require a public referendum under Virginia law. The Commonwealth of Virginia, through a direct grant from its general fund, and local jurisdictions provided the remainder.5 Dallas Trinity Railway Express . The Trinity Railway Express operates on an initial lO-mile segment between Dallas Union Station and South Irving Transit Center. The current operating segment, with plans for expansion, is part of a 34-rnile former Rock Island rail corridor purchased by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in 1983 using a federal transit grant. 6 Northstar Commuter Rail Feasibility Study March 23, 1999 9-3 Financial Analysis