(20 ILCS 2705/2705-400) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25a)

Sec. 2705-400. Authorization concerning rail assistance funds. The Department is hereby authorized to exercise those powers necessary for the State to qualify for rail assistance funds pursuant to relevant federal or State legislation, including but not limited to authority to do the following:

(1) Establish a State plan for rail transportation and local rail services, including projects funded under Section 2705-435.

(2) Administer and coordinate the State plan.

(3) Provide in the plan for the equitable distribution of federal rail assistance funds among State, local, and regional transportation authorities.

(4) Develop or assist the development of local or regional rail plans.

(5) Promote, supervise, and support safe, adequate, and efficient rail services in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Public Act 79-834.

(6) Employ sufficient trained and qualified personnel for these purposes.

(7) Maintain, in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Public Act 79-834, adequate programs of investigation, research, promotion, and development in connection with these purposes and provide for public hearings.

(8) Provide satisfactory assurances on behalf of the State that fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted by the State that may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement of and account for federal funds paid to the State as rail assistance.

(9) Comply with the regulations of the Secretary of Transportation of the United States Department of Transportation affecting federal rail assistance funds.

(10) Review all impending rail abandonments and provide its recommendations on those abandonments to the federal Surface Transportation Board.

(Source: P.A. 100-430, eff. 8-25-17.)