NY S08268

Creates a State High Speed Rail Planning Board within the Department of Transportation responsible for planning and advising on future rail system improvements and high-speed rail service implementation in New York State.

Board composition includes the Transportation Commissioner, Metro-North Railroad President, and 11 appointed members with expertise in transportation infrastructure, engineering, financing, planning, or related fields; Governor appoints members upon recommendations from legislative leaders and without recommendation.

Board required to conduct at least six public hearings in regionally diverse areas, evaluate high-speed rail technologies, research private partnership agreements, and submit a comprehensive financing plan and organizational structure recommendation to the Governor and Legislature within two years.

Board shall review prior recommendations from the 2006 New York State Senate High Speed Rail Task Force, the 2009 New York State Rail Plan, and the 2009 Federal Railroad Administration High Speed Rail Program as guidelines for future improvements.

Act takes effect immediately and automatically expires and repeals three years after the effective date.