Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/5/2018
Item Status: New
From: Ron Cink, County Administrator
Submitted by: Christel Carpenter, Administrative Support Specialist III
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Letter of Support for Southern Rail Commission FYI 7 CRISI, R&E Grants
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Make a letter of support by the Baldwin County Commission dated May 22, 2018, for the Southern Rail Commission FYI 7 CRISI, R&E Grants, addressed to Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Department of Transportation, and Ronald Batory, Federal Railroad Administration, part of the record.End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: Southern Rail Commission (SRC) requested a letter of support from the Baldwin County Commission regarding two key grant programs. Due to a submission deadline, the letter was executed by the Commissioners on May 22, 2018.
SRC is applying to the two grant programs to provide funding for design, construction, and initial operating cost support for the first phase of Gulf Coast service restoration - the daily service between New Orleans and Mobile. SRC will use the grant funds for needed rail infrastructure improvements in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, such as grade crossings, new and improved sidings, upgrading and modernizing switching and signaling, and for station area improvements. To facilitate eventual passenger service to the east and north of Mobile, the SRC also plans to use a portion of the funds to assess and define resolutions for rail congestion issues associated with the growth and success of the Port of Mobile, thereby assisting the future of both freight and passenger rail operations. There are match requirements for the grants, and SRC is coordinating with the Governors of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana for commitments of support. In related activities that support these efforts, Louisiana has already been providing for rail improvements funded through its own federal grants, and Amtrak has initiated communications with CSX regarding a timetable to initiate passenger operations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration - Letters were mailed and emailed on May 22, 2018.
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A