CO SB153

Creates the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission within the Department of Transportation, composed of 11 voting commissioners and 2 non-voting advisors representing freight railroads, public rail advocates, regional planning organizations, and transit authorities.

Transfers the mission and functions of the previous Southwest Chief Rail Line Economic Development, Rural Tourism, and Infrastructure Repair and Maintenance Commission to the new commission, tasking it with ensuring continuation and expansion of Amtrak Southwest Chief service to Pueblo and exploring service to Walsenburg.

Directs the commission to develop and present draft legislation to the legislature by December 1, 2017, for creating a Front Range passenger rail system providing service along the Interstate 25 corridor with potential stops in Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

Authorizes the commission to accept and expend moneys from the Southwest Chief Rail Line Economic Development, Rural Tourism, and Infrastructure Repair and Maintenance Fund for administrative costs, studies, track improvements, and service expansion contingent on commitments from Amtrak, Kansas, New Mexico, and BNSF Railway.

Takes effect July 1, 2017, except certain provisions regarding commissioner appointments take effect upon passage.