Section 49-17.1-02 - Department of transportation as designated state agencyThe department, with the approval of the commission, is authorized to exercise those powers necessary for the state to qualify for rail service assistance grants pursuant to provisions of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 [ Pub. L. 94-210; 90 Stat. 149; 49 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.], including authority to:
1. Prepare and recommend a state plan for all rail transportation and local rail services.2. Administer and coordinate the state plan.3. Provide in the plan for the equitable distribution of rail service assistance grants among state, local, and regional transportation authorities.4. Promote and support safe, adequate, and efficient rail services for those railway lines receiving rail service assistance grants.5. Employ sufficient trained and qualified personnel for these purposes.6. Maintain adequate programs of investigation, research, promotion, and development in connection with these purposes and to provide for public participation therein.7. Provide satisfactory assurances on behalf of the state that fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted by the state as may be necessary to assure proper disbursement of an account for federal funds paid to the state as rail service assistance grants.8. Comply with the regulations of the secretary of transportation of the United States department of transportation affecting rail service assistance grants.9. Do all things otherwise necessary to maximize federal assistance to the state under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 [ Pub. L. 94-210; 90 Stat. 149; 49 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.], and any amendments to it.