Committee advances bill to create rail program framework at Department of Transportation; no state funds required until appropriated

Senator Gooch told the committee SB 371 "sets up a, basically, a framework for a rail program under GDOT," and emphasized freight logistics and cooperation with Class I railroads as goals of the proposal. He said the bill lists components for a rail plan but "does not require the expenditure of any state funds until they're appropriated."

Senator Gooch framed the measure as necessary to move freight off highways where appropriate and to involve rail partners for statewide freight movement between the Port of Savannah and inland destinations. He said the committee and related chairs have prioritized freight and that funding requirements would follow in future negotiations as money becomes available.

A do-pass motion was made and seconded (Representative Prince; Chairman Hitchens), and the committee approved the motion to advance SB 371. The transcript records the motion and the chair's announcement that the motion passes but does not include a numeric vote tally in the provided excerpt.

What happens next: SB 371 advances from committee with a recommendation to proceed; implementation will depend on subsequent appropriations and program design at the Department of Transportation.