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A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, expressing support for the continuation of feasibility studies of a commuter rail line between Pittsburgh and the Alle-Kiski valley, with the ultimate aim of opening commuter service with all deliberate speed.
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WHEREAS, on July 1, 2008, U.S. Representative Jason Altmire announced an additional $500,000 in Federal funding to study a proposed commuter train between Pittsburgh and the Alle-Kiski Valley; and
WHEREAS, Representative Altmire has indicated that, once the feasibility study is completed, the rail line could be completed if an estimated $130 million in additional funding is secured; and
WHEREAS, the rail line would provide much needed access to the downtown Pittsburgh area from points to the northeast and greatly ease automobile traffic on congested roadways such as Route 28; and
WHEREAS, the completed rail line could include stops in the Arnold, New Kensington, Plum, Oakmont, Verona , Penn Hills and run on tracks owned by the Allegheny Valley Railroad, a former Verona-based freight line, the ownership of which has voiced support for the project; and
WHEREAS, The Westmoreland County Transit Authority, which is administering the feasibility studies, has to date contributed $500,000 toward commuter rail studies of both the Allegheny Valley line and a proposed line between Greensburg and Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has indicated that the studies in progress could yield preliminary findings as early as this fall, and the final study could be concluded in January of 2009, would be soon enough for the project potentially to be considered for funding under the next federal highway bill; and
WHEREAS, the commuter line could be operational in as soon at two years; and
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby resolves as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Allegheny County Council and Chief Executive hereby express their support for the continuation of feasibility studies of a commuter rail line between Pittsburgh and the Alle-Kiski valley, with the ultimate aim of opening commuter service with all deliberate speed.
SECTION 2.
Copies of this Resolution shall be forwarded to Allegheny County's representatives in the United States House of Representatives and Senate, as well as to the Westmoreland County Transit authority.
SECTION 3.
If any provision of this Resolution shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution which shall be in full force and effect.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: COUNCIL MEMBER FUTULES