o The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), in conjunction with the Wyoming Business Council, is developing a Statewide Rail Plan (SRP). o The SRP will enable WYDOT to implement a broad approach to statewide planning that will integrate passenger and freight rail elements into the larger Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan, and although rail infrastructure improvements are not funded by WYDOT, the plan will expand economic development opportunities for grants and public-private partnerships, and improve network safety and efficiency. Statewide Rail Plan
o To comply with PRIIA (the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008) that requires all states to develop State Rail Plans to be eligible for federal funding o To provide input for required State Freight Plans to comply with MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st century) Statewide Rail Plan Purpose
o This plan will be developed with help from agencies and the public and will provide direction for future freight and passenger rail transportation policy in our state. o Comments received will help identifying sidings and switches that may have opportunity for development into rail parks to stimulate economic development. o Although rail infrastructure is not funded by the Department, the SRP is a necessary foundation for federal funding requests for grants and public private partnerships to maintain and improve Wyoming’s railroads. Statewide Rail Plan
o What has been the role of rail in Wyoming? o What is the future role of rail in Wyoming? o Rail Service needs and opportunities o Wyoming’s long range rail service and investment program Statewide Rail Plan Topics
o Study website and online comment form o o Media o Press releases o Advertisements o Public Participation o Public Meeting – October 8, 2013, Casper, Wyoming o Self-guided online Open House meeting – February 2014 Communication Methods and Tools
o Provide input: o Website o o Mail Next Step – Providing Input
o Provide input: o Website - o – o Mail – Wyoming Department of Transportation Attn: Dan Kline Systems Planning & Railroads 5300 Bishop Boulevard Cheyenne, WY Next Step – Providing Input
Next Step – Process Moving Forward Obtain Input Comments Potential Projects Potential use of existing infrastructure Incorporate input Comments and potential projects incorporated into the Statewide Rail Plan Cost benefit/ Prioritization Cost benefit analysis Sustainable return on investment Public benefit Complete Plan Available for use in economic development plans Basis for future funding opportunities