HB 28-02 High Speed Rail Act (Passed)

[Mike Thick]

You're forgetting that things stop being canon when they're addressed, even implicitly, by game laws. FremontRail probably supersedes anything Jerry or Gav did

[Harvey Updyke Jr🌹]

Let's get on with it.

[Lumine]

I have good news and bad news. On the bright side, I've conducted research of every single project authorized since the Reset, so I have a decent idea of what's been actually authorized and/or planned.

However, although there are some obvious aspects that I can simulate - which are well within my purview - there's a very serious question to be asked regarding the effectiveness of funding previously allocated to such projects, which obviously influences my simulation of how much rail has actually been built (and, strictly speaking, there are some possible discrepancies in cost projection from different GM's and Comptroller Generals).

I'll be contacting the Comptroller General today to ask on his opinion on my assessment of the situation. Once I get a response, I'll do the extra simulation and publish a clarification/report so we can finally determine current canon on high speed rail projects. I'd hope Congress could wait a little, as I'm confident a report - and what I project are the likely successes and failures - will provide material for this body or for the regions to take action.

TLDR: I'm confident I can get out a detailed report once I sort out an issue with the Comptroller General. However, you'll have to bear with me for some extra time in order to get a responsible assessment.

[YE]

I have good news and bad news. On the bright side, I've conducted research of every single project authorized since the Reset, so I have a decent idea of what's been actually authorized and/or planned.

However, although there are some obvious aspects that I can simulate - which are well within my purview - there's a very serious question to be asked regarding the effectiveness of funding previously allocated to such projects, which obviously influences my simulation of how much rail has actually been built (and, strictly speaking, there are some possible discrepancies in cost projection from different GM's and Comptroller Generals).

I'll be contacting the Comptroller General today to ask on his opinion on my assessment of the situation. Once I get a response, I'll do the extra simulation and publish a clarification/report so we can finally determine current canon on high speed rail projects. I'd hope Congress could wait a little, as I'm confident a report - and what I project are the likely successes and failures - will provide material for this body or for the regions to take action.

TLDR: I'm confident I can get out a detailed report once I sort out an issue with the Comptroller General. However, you'll have to bear with me for some extra time in order to get a responsible assessment.

Any update on this?

[Lumine]

Yes, the Comptroller General gave me a partial reply and I'm waiting on his final judgement to proceed with a report.

[SevenEleven]

Over it at this point. Moving for a final vote.

[SevenEleven]

AN ACT
To improve transport and connectivity across our nation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Atlasia in Congress assembled,

Section I. Title

i. The long title of this bill shall be the "Expansion of High Speed Rail and Mass Transit Act." It may be cited as the "High Speed Rail Act."

Section II. Definitions
i. High speed rail is defined as a railroad capable of supporting trains in excess of 120 mph.

Section III. Construction of High Speed Rail Arteries
i. A high speed railway shall be constructed along the western coast.
     a. The Department of Transportation should negotiate possible connections through Canada and Mexico.
ii. A high speed railway shall be constructed along the eastern coast.


Section IV. Creation of National Rail Authority
i. The National Rail Authority is hereby established under the Department of Transportation and tasked with the responsibility of overseeing construction, rail route development, and consumer-end transit program implementation.
ii. The National Rail Authority shall consist of members appointed by the President of Atlasia.
iii. The layout of the seaboard routes and placement of cross-country rail routes shall be the responsibility of the National Rail Authority.
iv. Congress shall retain the ability to legislate new routes or override the decisions of the National Rail Authority if necessary.

Section V. Appropriations
i. $80 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of new rail and adaptation of old rail for the creation of the seaboard routes.
ii. $250 million shall be appropriated for surveying and planning of cross-country rail routes.
iii. $3 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of connecting routes to off-route cities.
iv. $150 billion shall be released for construction of new rail and adaptation of old rail for the creation of cross country routes pending a finalized route plan from the National Rail Authority.
v. $8 billion shall be released for the construction of connecting routes to off-route cities pending a finalized route plan from the National Rail Authority.

A final vote is now open.

[SevenEleven]

Aye.

[OBD]

Aye.

[YE]

Aye.

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Aye

[Joseph Cao]

My original concern about the status of the West Coast line has not been satisfied. If construction has in fact begun, as Lumine implied, then this is redundant. If it hasn't due to cost considerations, that raises the question of why we're producing another plan to construct a presumably similarly expensive line.

Anyway, I was under the impression that Lumine had a report due as part of his final portfolio before he vacates his position. This vote could at least have waited till then (and yes, this is partially on me for somehow not catching Sev's motion for a final vote yesterday).

Nay.

[SevenEleven]

My original concern about the status of the West Coast line has not been satisfied. If construction has in fact begun, as Lumine implied, then this is redundant. If it hasn't due to cost considerations, that raises the question of why we're producing another plan to construct a presumably similarly expensive line.

Anyway, I was under the impression that Lumine had a report due as part of his final portfolio before he vacates his position. This vote could at least have waited till then (and yes, this is partially on me for somehow not catching Sev's motion for a final vote yesterday).

Nay.

My discussions with both the GM and the Comptroller signaled a dire lack of communication. Fwiw, the appropriated funds would be used to upgrade and integrate existing tracks, in addition to new construction, and I do share your frustration with the process. Ultimately, this will be an important step forward for transit.

[Harvey Updyke Jr🌹]

Aye

[Poirot]

Nay
because I don't know if it will duplicate the work done by LinconlnRail in Lincoln with all the routes being built or if the eastern seabord will connect or use the existing lines.

[SevenEleven]

AN ACT
To improve transport and connectivity across our nation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Atlasia in Congress assembled,

Section I. Title

i. The long title of this bill shall be the "Expansion of High Speed Rail and Mass Transit Act." It may be cited as the "High Speed Rail Act."

Section II. Definitions
i. High speed rail is defined as a railroad capable of supporting trains in excess of 120 mph.

Section III. Construction of High Speed Rail Arteries
i. A high speed railway shall be constructed along the western coast.
     a. The Department of Transportation should negotiate possible connections through Canada and Mexico.
ii. A high speed railway shall be constructed along the eastern coast.


Section IV. Creation of National Rail Authority
i. The National Rail Authority is hereby established under the Department of Transportation and tasked with the responsibility of overseeing construction, rail route development, and consumer-end transit program implementation.
ii. The National Rail Authority shall consist of members appointed by the President of Atlasia.
iii. The layout of the seaboard routes and placement of cross-country rail routes shall be the responsibility of the National Rail Authority.
iv. Congress shall retain the ability to legislate new routes or override the decisions of the National Rail Authority if necessary.

Section V. Appropriations
i. $80 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of new rail and adaptation of old rail for the creation of the seaboard routes.
ii. $250 million shall be appropriated for surveying and planning of cross-country rail routes.
iii. $3 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of connecting routes to off-route cities.
iv. $150 billion shall be released for construction of new rail and adaptation of old rail for the creation of cross country routes pending a finalized route plan from the National Rail Authority.
v. $8 billion shall be released for the construction of connecting routes to off-route cities pending a finalized route plan from the National Rail Authority.

With a final tally of 5-2-0-2, this bill passes.
X SevenEleven