HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 61


(By Delegates Browning, Kessler, Long, Pino, Perry, Hrutkay, Sumner, Kominar, H. White, Porter, Rodighiero, Eldridge, Frederick, Burdiss, Moye, Staggers and Ellis)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the development of an intermodal transportation facility to promote economic development in Southern West Virginia.

Whereas, The United States of America is in an economic transition with respective local, national, and global economics; and
Whereas, Improved telecommunications along with an enhanced global supply chain have improved our expanding markets; and
Whereas, The changing economy in America is reflected by an international trade growth from 7% in 1970 to a projected 50% growth by 2050, with domestic trade increasing two-thirds by 2020, and international flows doubling by 2020; and
Whereas, In 1970 one million containers went through America's ports with an estimated one hundred million containers estimated to pass through these same ports by 2050; and
Whereas, America's trading partners in the coming years will be accessed mainly through the Eastern ports with several locations nationwide having completed or in the planning or developmental stages for inland ports such as in Prichard, West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Appalachian Regional Commission believes this is a chance to create jobs and promote economic development in a poor region via a network of mountain inland ports as businesses flock to areas around facilities already established; and
Whereas, Southern West Virginia has one of the most extensive railway systems in the United States. Coal and timber are already being shipped out of West Virginia by rail one-way and by establishing a distribution center for goods and materials arriving from overseas could provide for two-way shipping thus reducing costs; and
Whereas, Existing or planned four lane highways in Southern West Virginia will aid in the effort to establish an Intermodal Transportation Facility; and
Whereas, United States Congressman Nick Rahall has funded the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Project. When completed, the "Gateway" project will enhance economic development, improve local transportation, provide for a revitalization of Southern West Virginia, and serve as an anchor for larger intermodal projects; and
Whereas, The Appalachian Regional Commission's mission is to be a strategic partner and advocate for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia as it supports Tactical Multi- Modal Investment; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the development of an intermodal transportation facility to promote economic development in Southern West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, two thousand nine, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.