BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

WHEREAS, Severe traffic congestion and gridlock across the First State reduces the quality of life and increases travel time for Delaware's citizens, and

WHEREAS, Delaware has been declared non-compliant with Federal Clean Air standards and faces a potential loss of federal funding if unable to reduce auto emissions in the future, and

WHEREAS, a shift in current policy making away from expansions of road capacity towards effective commuter rail systems must be fully explored to meet the dramatic growth and population trends projected for Delaware; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Delaware General Assembly to establish a Commuter Rail Task Force with the special duty of studying the cost and implementation of a commuter rail system located between New Castle County and Kent County and to make recommendations to the General Assembly.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 141^st General Assembly of the State of that the Commuter Rail Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the "Task Force") be, and is hereby, established, to consist of the following members:

1. A member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall serve as chair;
2. The Chair of the House Transportation Committee, or his designee;
3. A public member appointed by the Speaker of the House;
4. A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;
5. A representative from the Kent County Metro Planning Office appointed by their executive director;
6. A representative of the Wilmington Area Planning Council appointed by their executive director;

(7) The Secretary of Transportation, or a designee from the Delaware Transit Corporation;

(8) A representative of the Delmarva Rail Passenger Association selected by their President;

1. A member of the Senate appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
2. An additional member of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall hold such meetings as it deems necessary or helpful to its purpose.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall submit its recommendations to the General Assembly by January 15, 2002, and shall utilize such House staff as necessary to complete its work.