Testimony by Northern Flyer Alliance President, Deborah Fischer Stout

before the Kansas Legislative Interim Committee on Transportation

Oct. 29, 2012

Recommended Next Steps to Move Passenger Rail Forward in Kansas

Megapolitans of the US

This is our economic growth potential

This is one of the barriers to economic growth

Service Gap

Next Steps for the Region

1. The state of Kansas must make the commitment to fund the NEPA studies necessary. NEPA Regulation 64 FR 28545

2. Determine Stakeholders and create a Service Proposal based on SDP

3. Thirdly, KDOT and Stakeholders to fund the study, then select a firm to perform the study.

Next Steps for the Region

4. NFA recommends the creation of a State Passenger Rail Task Force to spearhead the NEPA process

5. NFA recommends this Special Committee provide a directive to the new State Passenger Rail Task Force to spearhead the creation of supporting legislation.

Next Steps for the Region

6. NFA recommends this Special Committee provide a directive to KDOT whereby collaboration with neighboring states is required.

InterState University Coalition:–OSU–TEXAS A&M–WSU–KU–UMKC

Solid lines: existing Amtrak routesDotted lines: potential and possible routes

What could happen if KS stays on the Side lines?

Why Rail?• KU ROI study: 4.6 to 1 tax considered

economic development ratio for the corridor from KC to OKC, completed in 2009.

• Texas A&M ROI study: 4.5 to 1 economic development ratio for the corridor from OKC to DFW, completed in 2010