TD1 00:AZ11-RA/ex -1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Q Arizona Transportation Research Center N Library ~ 206 South 17th Avenue, #075R v- Phoenix, AZ. 85007 <'\l lntroduc ·on development patterns. Commuter rail, conventional intercity rail, and ultimately high-speed rail all have roles Arizona's economy needs an efficient and competitive rail to play in Arizo na's multimodal transportation system . network to compete globally. A healthy rail network must provide a reliable, accessible, and cost effective service As the State of Arizona continues to grow in population to shippers and customers across the State. In add ition, there will be a need for urban and rural communities to a fast, frequent and reliable passenger ra il se rvice expand their existing transportation systems to support between population centers and tourist destinations the add itional population. Transportation infrastructure across the State that is competitive with automobile and can be used as a t oo l to focus growth and plan for more air travel times is important to the State's economic and sustainable built communities that incorporate all environmental well-being and overall quality of life. transportation modes.

Arizona's economy needs an efficient and competitive rail network to compete globally

Benefits of Rail for Arizona

Arizona's railroads have historically played a crucial role in the State's transportation system, and continue to do so today. Rail provides a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation for moving large quantities of freight over Transportation infrastructure can be used as a tool long distances. Of all modes of transportation, railroads to focus growth and plan for more sustainable bu ilt cause the least air pollution per unit of freight carried. commun ities Shifting just 10 percent of future long-haul freight from An efficient passenger and freight rail system will trucks to rail would reduce fuel consumption in the encourage infill development and revitalization of U.S. by more than one billion gallons per year which existing com munities which promotes focused growth can improve overall air quality and reduce t he amount patterns surrounding multimodal transportation nodes. of green house gas emissions. Passenger rail service, Transportation combined with focused growth leads although mostly serving tourists today, cou ld provide an to a reduction in the number of trips and improved alternative mode of travel for Arizonans in the future, location efficie ncy. This will help alleviate traffic and may help focus growth to achieve more sustainable congestion on the state's highway system, and contribute

Arizona State Rail Plan -Executive Summary EX-1 March 2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary

to more livable communities which promote context to include rail projects in the State's long-range planning sensitive solutions that help to preserve the natural processes to improve regional and statewide safety and environment. Incorporating additional mobility choices mobility, and ensure eligibility for federal rail funding. to Arizona communities will contribute to quality of life improvements. The SRP is an integral part of a multimodal long­ range planning process. In 2007, at the direction of Strategic investments in ra ilroad facilities, related the Governor's Office and the State Transportation industries and ancillary services can also open new Board, ADOT began work on a long-range (year 2050) opportunities for economic growth and development. transportation planning vision for Arizona known as the According to the U.S. Department of Commerce data, Building a Qualify Arizona - Statewide Transportation every dollar spent on investments in freight railroads - Framework Study (STFS). tracks, equipment, locomotives, and bridges - yields three dollars in economic output. According to a U.S. Department of Commerce model of the U.S. economy, the nation's freight railroads gene rate nearly $265 billion in total economic activity each year, including direct, indirect, and induced effects. In addition, each $1 billion of rail investment creates 20,000 jobs. Investments in railroads also alleviate congestion on highways resulting in reduction of air pollutant em issions, and provide a competitive transportation alternative reducing the cost of transporting goods.

Backgrou nd and u ose o the St Rail Pan

The Arizona State Rail Plan (SRP) is the first comprehensive assessment of the State's rail needs and was initiated in response to the increasing involvement by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in freight and The Statewide Ra il Framework Study covers both freight passenger rail issues. The SRP serves to identify the and passenger opportun ities and is the foundation for current rail system, determine infrastructure needs, and this State Ra il Plan

EX-2 Arizona State Rail Plan -Executive Summary March 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

The 2009 Statewide Rail Framework Study (SR FS) began Arizona's railroads generate five million tons of freight as an outgrowth of the STFS . The SRFS, which covers traffic an nually from locations in Arizona, including glass both freight and passenger rail, built a foundation for and stone products, waste and scrap, primary metal the State Rail Plan by identifying benefits and needs, products, chemica ls, and metallic ores. The railroads bring developing strategic rail investment opportunities, and to Arizo na nea rly 28 million tons of freight traffic annually recommending implementation pursuits for t he State of that te rminates in the State, including coal, lumber and Arizona. The Arizona State Rail Plan will provide input wood products, glass and stone products, farm products, on rail priorities for the State Long Range Transportation and food. Figure EX.l presents the existing railroads in Plan (LRTP). the State of Arizo na.

A Vision of Rail Transportation in 2030 Class I Ra ilroads

A safe, secure, efficient and cost-effective passenger and Both Class I ra ilroads have trans-Arizona connections freight rail network forms an integral part of Arizona's and also provide service into Phoenix on branch lines. multimodal transportation system . Arizona rai lroads Additiona l branch lines serve industrial and mining promote economic opportunities and environmental operations, while the Nogales subdivision of the UPRR sustainability that reflect the high value Arizonans place connects to the Mexican border and interchanges wit,h on their unique southwestern lifestyle. Ferromex.

To attain this vision, the State Ra il Plan sup ports the BNSF operates freight trains along its Transcon Corridor following goals: between Los Ange les and Chicago, passing through Kingman, Will iam s, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook and Goal I: Improve mobility and accessibility. access to other com munities in northern Arizona. the national passenger and freight rail system, and the efficiency of goods movements. UPRR's main line, the Sunset Route, runs across the southern portion of the state connecting Los Angeles and Goal II: Support economic growth, retain and generate New Orleans, passing through Yuma, Wellton, Gila Bend, jobs, and help enhance the State's global competitive Maricopa, Ca sa Grande, Eloy, Marana, Tucson, Benson position through strategic freight initiatives. and Willcox in southern Arizona.

Goal Ill: Promote sustainable transportation and land use Through coordination, use rail transportation as a tool to focus 75% growth creating more sustainable built communities that incorporate all transportation modes.

Goal IV: Preserve the environment. natural an d cultural resources. move passengers and freight in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Goal V: Provide safety and security, and protect people, cargo, and infrastructure. Inbound 21% Within State 2% Existing Arizona Railroad Network 2%

Arizona's railroad network is composed of two Class I Railroads bring to Arizona nearly 28 million tons of freight railroads, BNSF Railway (BNSF) and Union Pacifi c Railroad traffic annually that terminates in the State (UPRR), and a number of short line railroads.

Arizona State Rail Plan -Executive Summary 3 March 2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary

Passenger Rail • Black Mesa & Lake Powell Railroad • Camp Navajo Railroad The Amtrak Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited are long-distance trains that serve interstate passenger rail • Copper Basin Railway demand. The BNSF Transcon Corridor through Arizona • Drake Switching Company carries the Amtrak Southwest Chief intercity passenger • Freepo rt McMoRan Morenci Mine service, which stops at four stations located in Winslow, • Freeport McMoRan Sierrita Mine Flagstaff, Williams Junction and Kingman . Amtrak's Port of Tucson combined Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle passenger service • traverses the UPRR Sunset Route three times per week. • San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad In Arizona, the Sunset Lim ited stops at fo ur stations located in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa and Yuma .

Ar" ~'n a has thirteen active short line railroads primarily The Southwest Chief and Sunset limited are two long- serving the mining and building industries distance Amtrak routes which serve Arizona Tourist Railroads Short Line Railroads Three tourist railroads operate within the State of Most of Arizona's short lines are former segments of Arizona. The Grand Canyon Railroad owns its own one of the two Class I systems. All of the short lines are dedicated rail corridor and operates daily between connected to the national system except the Black Mesa Williams Junction and Grand Canyon. The Verde Canyon & Lake Powell, a single-purpose electrified coa l hauling Railroad and Copper Spike Railroad operate on trackage operation located on the Navajo Nation in northern owned by the Arizona Central Railroad and the Arizona Arizona that carries coal from the Black Mesa mine to t he Eastern Railroad, respectively. Navajo power plant. The following is a list of shortlines currently operating within the State: • Apache Railway • APS Challa Power Plant • Arizona & California Railroad • Arizona Central Railroad • Arizona Eastern Railroad

4 Arizona State Ra il Plan - Executive Summary Ma rc h 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

Figure EX.1 - Existing Arizona Railroads

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Legend U.S. Railroads Camp Navajo Railroad McElhaney Cattle Compa ny Rail road Mexican Rallroad ASARCO Hayden Sme!ier Railroad Copper Sasin Railway San Manuel Arizona P.ailroad Ferromex Apache Railway Copper Spike Rallroa d San Pedro & Soothwes19"n Railroad Exlrting Rall road Facillties

Arizona & California P.allroad Freeport McMoRan Morenci Mine Railroad Tuc:son•Cornelia & Gila Send Ra ilroad ■ lrrter m:>dal Fa:IHty Arizona Central Railroad Freeport McM:>Rcn Slerrita Mine Railroad Union Fadflc Railroad A Classification Ya rd Arizona Eastern Ra ilway Freeport McMoRan Twin Buttes Mine P.allroad Verde Canyon Railroad Proposed Rallroad Fad Ittl e, &NSF P.ailway Grand Canyon Railway Yuma Va lley Ra ilway ♦ lni ermodal facility Black Mesa & Lake Powell Railroad Magm a Arizona rtailroad * Classification Ya rd ~ 1D 2D 40Mlles NORTH

Arizona State Rail Plan -Executive Summary 5 March 2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary

Prioritization of Proposed Rail Projects faster travel speeds. An HSR network in the southwestern U.S. will improve regional connectivity and provide The following rail opportunities were determined to be modal choices to travelers. It can also help individuals the highest priorities that the state shou ld pursue, and and business travelers avoid congestion on the roadways are recommended for implementation; and delays in air travel. Intercity Passenger Rail System • The highest demand for HSR is expected to be between • High-Speed Rail Network Phoenix and Tucson, and between Phoenix and Los Angeles. There has also been recent interest in a • Commuter Rail Service in Phoenix and Tucson connection between Phoenix and Las Vegas (Figure EX.3), metro areas potentially as part of a multimodal corridor, converting • Improvements to the Transcontinental Rail US 93 to the informally named Interstate 11 (Figure EX.4). Corridors Initial phases of providing HSR service between Arizona • Develop lntermodal and Freight Log istic Centers and t he surrounding states may include establishing • Grade Separation Implementation Program intercity passenger service along new or existing corridors. • Short Line Assistance Program Intercity passenger services may be established between Phoen ix and Los Angeles and Phoenix and Tucson. These Intercity Passenger Rail System intercity rail (ICR) corridors could be upgraded over time to become HSR corridors. Intercity rail services are passenger train se rvices which cover longer distances than commuter or regional trains. Figure EX.2 - California HSR Corridor and Conceptual Most typically, an intercity train is an express train with Extensions to Phoenix and Tucson limited stops and comfortable carriages to serve long­ distance travel.

,ktMMui4,B1 The highest priority section of the ICR system is the 0 Phoenix to Tucson corridor. Several studies completed over the past decade have predicted strong ridership ~ for this segment, and strong public support has been demonstrated during focus group meetings and the SFPS process. ADOT has begun the process of evaluating feasible corridors for an ICR connection between Phoenix and Tucson, and future phases of this process including environmental clearance, preliminary design, and right­ of-way acquisition should be programmed.

~ Potential Arizona High-Speed "WWW Enhancement of Amtrak services in Arizona will provide Rall Corridor (not dtsignated or plann•d at t his tlm•) improved interstate passenger service to the three largest cities in Arizona. Rehabilitation of the Wellton branch will enable resumption of Amtrak service to Phoenix.

High-Speed Rail Network

High Speed Rail (HSR) is a type of intercity passenger rail that operat es significantly faster than the normal speed of rail traffic. HSR typically requires an upgraded track for

6 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary March 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

Figure EX.3 - Integrated Statewide Passenger Rail System

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iill

Legend Arizona Tourist Railroads Major Ra ads Raft Type - Copper Spike Railroad -- Interstate/Freeway lnt erc.ity Ra ii - Grand Canyon Railroad -- State Highway ,,:-~ Commuter Rail - Verde Canyen Railroad - - Rivers Potential Southwest lntermne Water Body High Speed Rall Corridor Railroads Amtrak Route - u.s. Ra ll roacs - Amtrak Route - Mexica n Rai lroads - FofTl"ler Amtrak Route

- Freight Railroad - Mainline ~hared with Amtrak 0 10 20 40Ml'=:s ,J!!!!!!!,,, NORTH 0 Amtrak Stations ~----~

Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary 7 March 2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary

Figure EX.4 - Potential Interstate 11 Multimodal Corridor

LEGEND Interstate 11 Corridor: North Section Interstate Land Ownership Replacing US-93 and Interstate 515 - State Highway BLM Interstate 11 Corridor: South Section US Highway State Hassayampa Freeway 0 Local or State Parks Phoenix Regional Transportation Plan State Boundary (" Funded Freeway Corridors (_~ County Line -Military Other Freeway Corridor Proposa ls Railroad Tri bal Land -O Private 0 10 20 40Miles ~•o=

8 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary March 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

Commuter Rail Service in Phoenix and Tucson Improvements to the Transcontinental Rail Corridors Commuter rail is a passenger rail service between a city center, and outer suburbs or other locations that draw Approximately 130 million tons of commodities are large numbers of people who commute on a daily basis. currently transported via rail in Arizona, with over 75 Commuter trains operate at speeds varying from 30 to percent of this traffic passing through the State. Inbound, 125 mph. outbound, and through rail freight tonnage is projected to triple in volume by 2050. While most of this traffic According to studies recently completed by Maricopa is expected to continue to pass through the State, in Association of Governments (MAG) and the Pima 2050 the Sun Corridor market is projected to be almost Association of Governments (PAG), implementing as large as the cu rrent Los Angeles Basin market today, commuter rail in Arizona's urban centers will alleviate that means subst antially more freight will be destined for traffic congestion and improve travel times. Both the Arizona. More efficiency in moving freight to Arizona and Phoenix and Tucson areas are wrestling with traffic distributing it within the State will be required for rail to congestion issues, and the long-range plan for each compete with the truck freight business. area envisions the implementation of commuter rail. A partnership between the MAG, PAG, and ADOT is Increasing the capacity of the transcontinental rail recommended to plan the commuter rail systems in corridors across Arizona will enhance the State's ability to concert with an ICR connection between Phoenix and import and export (statewide and internationally) freight Tucson. Components ofeach commuter rail system would by rail, and expedite the movement of freight nationwide. overlap with the ICR system . The coordinated planning of all systems could accelerate the implementation of each, Establishing a partnership with the BNSF Railway and ADOT should coordinate with key stake holders such (BNSF) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to implement as MAG, PAG, CAAG, Maricopa County, Pinal County, and improvements to each transcontinental mainline is a Pima County during the planning process. strategic priority to ensure efficient freight movements within Arizona and across the nation. Each Class I railroad has identified improvements that may be needed along its route as economic conditions improve.

To ensure a larger portion of future freight movements utilize the rail network, increases in transcontinental corridor capacity across Arizona should be a strategic Commuter Rall is a critical element of a '77Ultimodal priority transportation system that connects population and empl yment centers which supports mixed-use The State of Arizona has convened an initial meeting of development to maximize trip purpose and reduce the a Freight and Ra il Advisory Council (FRAC) that includes overa ll number of trips representatives from BNSF, UPRR, the trucking industry, major airports and other key economic stakeholders around the State. This council's mission is to identify

Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary 9 March 2011 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary

how the freight can work more efficiently in the State, promote economic vitality and development and enhance quality of life while preserving our natural environment and minimizing carbon footprint resulting from freight movements. The council will set priorities for improvements to the freight transportation network, including roadway, rail and air components, and guiding the use of public funds for these improvements.

Develop lntermodal and Freight Logistic Centers

The Arizona manufacturing industry base needs to grow in order to balance state exports with current import Convert· g existing at-grade railroad crossings tog ade levels. Currently, most freight trains leaving the major separations can improve traffic opera ·ons in Arizona metropolitan areas carry a minimal number of export communities, and reduce potential conflicts between goods. vehicles and trains

Improvements to railroad infrastructure can spur Implementation of Recommended Actions economic development by better serving businesses with multiple transportation options. As the economy Several of the recommended actions include projects of Arizona continues to grow, the need for a more well which will evolve over several decades, including developed system to move freight in and through the passenger ra il service and establishing intermodal and State will increase. Development of intermodal facilities freight logistic centers. However some recommendations that can efficiently transfer cargo between ra il and trucks can be implemented as soon as a funding source is will be needed across Arizona. Freight logistic centers, established, such as a program for implementing grade such as inland ports and warehouse distribution centers, separated crossings between rail and highway facilities. will be needed to continue to expand the number of Tables EX.1 to EX.3 provide a summary of the proposed jobs in Arizona, and to import and export the products implementation plan. required for a sustainable economy.

Program for Implementing High-Priority Grade Separations

Reducing the number of conflict points between vehicles and trains will improve safety for the traveling public, while reducing the risk for highway agencies and railroad companies. Converting existing at-grade railroad crossings to grade separations or removing crossings can improve traffic operations in Arizona communities, and reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and trains.

A program to replace at-grade crossings would fund and implement high-priority grade separations, and include a comprehensive data collection system fo r at-grade crossings that can help prioritize grade separation and other safety projects.

10 Arizona State Rail Plan -Executive Summary March 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

Table EX.1 - Short-Term Implementation Actions (within 5 years)

Implementation Action Description Comments Phoenix to Tucson ICR Study Establish a Locally Preferred Alternative Parts of this corridor would be used to (LPA) and Environmental Clearance for implement commuter ra il in the Phoenix and the Phoenix to Tucson !CR corridor. Tucso n metropolitan areas. High Speed Rail Corridors Complete feasibility and route studies Feasibility studies pertaining to HSR corridors required for the recommended HSR from Phoenix to Los Angeles and Las Vegas can Corridors help to promote more Intercity Rail service. Amtrak Service to Phoenix Routing the Sunset Limited service to Service can be provided to Phoenix by Phoenix would be an initial step to more reh ab ilitating the Wellton Branch, a Phoeni x frequent passenger service between turnaround, or along the Arizona and Cal ifornia Phoenix and Tucson. Rai lroad. Rehabilitation of the Wellton Reinstating rai l service along the Initial activities would include a feasib ility study Branch UPRR Wellton Branch will provide an to identify the scope of improvements needed. opportunity to return intercity service to Phoenix Partner with Amtrak to improve Recommend enhancements to station Improving connections between the Southwest service along the Southwest locations along the Southwest Chief Chief and Grand Canyon National Park would Chief Route route, and improved connections. increase tourism in Northern Arizona. Partner with Amtrak to improve Increase frequency of service and Da ily se rvice and bus connections to Phoenix service along the Sunset Limited modifications to the operation schedule. could dramatically increase ridership on this Route route Additional Amtrak service Partner with Amtrak and Grand Canyon Im proving connections between the southern between southern California and Railway to explore the feasibility of Cal ifornia and Grand Canyon Railway would Fl agstaff additional Amtrak service. increase tourism in Northern Arizona. Grade Separation Program Establish a program that prioritizes Severa l at grade crossings of the BNSF Peavine and implements key grade separations along Grand Ave could be high priority throughout the state. cand idates.

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Table EX.2 - Intermediate Implementation Actions (within 10 years)

Implementation Action Description Comments Commuter Rail Partner w ith MAG and PAG to plan Within the Arizona Spine Corridor the key commuter rail systems within the corridors are Grand Ave and the Southeast Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Valley. Additional Amtrak Intercity Establish more frequent Amtrak Service Service between Phoenix and Tucson, and if feasible between Phoenix and Los Angeles. Short Line Assistance Program Implement a program which can provide This program could include loan and grant financial assistance for improvements to programs, financed through individual short line railroads. legislative initiatives or a dedicated funding source. The program should be made available to Short Line and Tourist railroads. lntermodal and Freight Logistics Based on recommendations provided lntermodal and logistics centers may be funded Centers by the FRAC, work with private sponsors by public-private partnerships. to plan and implement new facilities at key locations. Public incentives could be established to promote facility development. Expansion of Tourism Rail Partner w ith Grand Canyon Railway and Potential expansions could include tourist service White Mountain Apache community service between Phoenix and Grand Canyon NP, to explore the feasibility of expanding and between McNary and Sunrise Ski Resort tourist railroad services Arizona Eastern Rural Passenger Partner with Arizona Eastern Railway to Passenger rail service between Globe and Rail Service help acquire funding for improvements Safford would provide an alternative mode of which would allow for rural passenger travel for the San Carlos Indian Community and service several rural communities in Gila and Graham Counties. Sunset Corridor Transcontinental Implement improvements to the Based on recommendations provided by Mainline transcontinental rail corridors. the FRAC, partner with UPRR to implement improvements.

12 Arizona State Rail Plan - Executive Summary March 2011 Arizona Department of Transportation

Table EX.3 - long-Term Implementation Actions (within 20 years)

Implementation Action Description Comments ICR service between Phoenix Design and construct an intercity rai l Comm uter rail operations along Gran d Ave and an d Tucson system connecting Phoe nix and Tucson. the So ut heast Valley may begin before or after this service, but should operate in a common corridor. Extensions of ICR throughout Complete corridor studies and obtain Freight rail improvements accomplished earl ier the Sun Corridor environmenta l cl earance for extensions might faci litate such ICR extensions. of the intercity ra il system north of Phoenix, and south of Tucson. Extensions of ICR to Northern Complete corridor studies and obtain Freight ra il improvements accomplished earlier Arizona environmental cl earance for extensions might fa cilitate such ICR extensions. of the intercity rail system north of Phoenix. Extensions of ICR to Nogales Complete corridor studies and obtain Freight rail improvements accompli shed ea rlier environmental clearance for extensions might fa cilitate such ICR extensions. of the intercity ra il system sou th of Tucson. Freight Rail improvements to Implement fe asi ble improvements Bas ed on recommendations provided by benefit Arizona communities within communities such as; Quiet fea sibility studies, partner with railroads and Zones, ra il rea lignments, or other communities to implement improvements. improvements Clas sifi cation yard projects have been proposed w ithin Surprise and at Red Rock.

FUNDING OF PROPOSED RAIL PROJECTS Federal Funding Programs for Ra il

Arizona's rail infrastructure is privately funded with some The following fed eral funding programs can provide support from federal funding sources. Howeve r, most funding for rail : federal funds provided to Arizona are directed toward • Passe nge r Rail Investment and Improvement Act highway improvements. Federal rail funding is becoming (PRIIA), 2008 increasingly competitive across the country and typically • SAFETEA-LU Funding Programs requires matching funds. The State of Arizona has an • Surface Transportation Program opportunity to utilize or create potential fun ding sources • Conge stion Mitigation and Air Quality and mechanisms that can support rail devel opment to Management provide a more efficient State rail system. Funding for ra il could also act as a catalyst for generating economic • Transp ortation Enhancements Program activity and employment in the Stat e. Investments in rail • Section 130 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Program will be crucial in the diversification of the State's economy • HSR Corridor Development Program by attracting more industrial development to the State. • Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fina ncing • Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act • Ta x Cred it s

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Rail Funding Programs in Other States and short line railroads, ADOT and the COGs and MPOs. The State Rail Plan provides a framework for a phased Several funding programs from other states have been approach to achieving the shared vision for freight and considered as illustrations of the creativity utilized passenger rail in Arizona. to support freight and passenger rail improvements elsewhere. These programs have funded rail improvement Passenger rail projects identified in this plan help provide projects that are similar to those recommended for mobility and access to an additional modal choices for Arizona in this SRP. These states include: tra nsportation, as well as regional connectivity between economic centers like Phoenix and Tucson. Commuter rail • California - Trade Corridor Improvement Fund will provide a faster, cheaper and safer way to commute (TCIF), ICR Improvement Program between key economic centers, without the costs of • North Carolina - Rail Industrial Access Program fuel and parking. High Speed Rail and Intercity rail will • Oregon - Short Line Infrastructure Program provide a faster means of traveling between major cities • Pennsylvania - Rail Freight assistance Program, compared to vehicular travel. Transit Assistance Programs • Tennessee - Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation Enhancements to freight rail infrastructure, including Program track improvements, intermodal and freight logistics • Texas - Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement centers and grade separated crossings will support Fund faster and safer movements of freight traffic, making it • Virginia - Rail Enhancement Fund, Rail even more advantageous to move freight by rail. These Preservation and Development Program, Rail improvements will help boost the economy of the State Industrial Access Program by providing additional opportunities for industries to locate along the rail corridors. • Wisconsin Freight Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP), Fre ight Rail A robust freight and passenger rail network will also Preservation Program (FRPP) alleviate some of the congestion on the State's highway Existing Funding Sources system, making it safer for personal mobility, and at the same time reduce the demand for highway widening. Funding is available to railroads in Arizona in several Balancing freight traffic between trucks and trains will forms: the FHWA Section 130 Highway-Rail Grade also reduce air pollutant emissions and help preserve the Crossing Program, projects funded by loca l governments natural environment. (including regional transportation plans), and general construction projects on the state highway system The State Rail Plan addresses current and future needs for funded by ADOT. Rail-highway crossing improvements passenger and/or freight rail investment at a statewide can be funded by federal, state or local governments. level. With the recent enactment of the Passenger Proposition 400 funds have been used to fund the study Rail Infrastructure Investment Act in October 2008, the of potential commuter rail corridors in the Maricopa nation is experiencing a surge in statewide rail planning County, in accordance with the Regional Transportation as DOTs mobilize to become eligible for federal funding. Plan. To obtain funding for such projects as intercity and high­ speed rail planning and design, states are required to CO CLU SION have a FRA approved state rail plan. With the Statewide Rail Framework Study providing the foundation, this Arizona's current rail system is largely freight based and document represents Arizona's first State Rail Plan . is in need of substantial improvements/investments. Improvements will require projects with partnerships between public and private entities, including the Class I

14 Arizona State Ra il Plan - Executive Summary March 2011