Statement of Anne Canby
Director, OneRail Coalition
on the
approval by the Virginia House of Representatives
of HB 1414 Transportation Legislation
March 10, 2020
OneRail applauds passage of the rail legislative component of Governor Ralph Northam’s $3.7 billion transportation initiative, which was adopted by the Virginia House of Representatives this week. This landmark rail legislation will improve and increase service on Virginia’s rail lines by establishing a Virginia Rail Authority to implement the plans. The legislation will significantly expand rail service in the Commonwealth over a 10-year period by building a new rail bridge over the Potomac River, adding new track along the corridor between Richmond and Washington, D.C., and purchasing passenger right of way from CSX.
This plan will help the environment, reduce congestion, and provide a more balanced transportation system in Virginia.