There was a lot of work being done on transportation policy at the statehouse this week. Below you will find updates on several transportation issues that had hearings.
KDOT testified in favor of SB 409 to the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. The bill establishes a framework for a passenger rail program. KDOT is anxiously awaiting the Amtrak feasibility study that will provide necessary information on the possibility of a passenger rail route between Fort Worth, TX and Kansas City.
KDOT testified in favor of SB 462 to the Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday. The department requested this bill to allow collection of consequential damages when damage is sustained to highway structures. There were many opponents to the legislation. We plan to work with the opponents to craft language that can be agreed upon by all parties.
KDOT testified before the House Transportation Committee in favor of HB 2561 on Thursday. The bill was proposed by Johnson County to allow transit buses to operate on the shoulders when the traffic on highways is moving at a speed under 35 MPH.
Rescission Bill update – The House Appropriations Committee passed HB 2222 on to the full House for debate. There were a few amendments that impacted legislator salaries. There were no amendments that impact KDOT.
Text ban update – Both the House and Senate have held hearings on separate text ban proposals, and have not yet worked the bills.
Next week will be another busy one with many hearings on transportation policy.
For all KDOT legislative testimony, follow this link: http://www.ksdot.org/IDMWS/kdot/11/legislative/testimony.asp?Year=2010