Ohio Code § 4981.35

§ 4981.35.

The “Interstate High Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Network Compact” is hereby ratified,

enacted into law and entered into by the state of Ohio with all other states legally

joining therein the form substantially as follows: Because the beneficial service of and profitability of a high speed intercity rail

passenger system would be enhanced by establishing such a system which would operate

across state lines, it is the policy of the states party to this compact to cooperate

and share jointly the administrative and financial responsibilities of preparing a

feasibility study concerning the operation of such a system connecting major cities

in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, West Virginia, and

Kentucky, hereinafter referred to as participating states, agree to, upon adoption

of this compact by the respective states, jointly conduct and participate in a high

speed intercity rail passenger feasibility study by providing such information and

data as is available and may be requested by a participating state or any consulting

firms representing a participating state or the compact.  It is mutually understood by the participating states that such information shall

not include matters not of public record or of a nature considered to be privileged

and confidential unless the state providing such information agrees to waive the confidentiality. The participating states further agree to: (A) Make available to each other and to any consulting firm representing the member states

or the compact such assistance as may be legal, proper and available, including but

not limited to personnel, equipment, office space, machinery, computers, engineering

and technical advice and services;  and (B) Provide such financial assistance for the implementation of the feasibility study

as may be legal, proper and available. Article III Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council There is hereby created an interstate rail passenger advisory council, the membership

of which shall consist of two representatives from each participating state, one representative

from each state shall hold a bachelor of science degree in either engineering or transportation

science, and shall be appointed by the governor of the participating state and the

other shall be the chairman of the state's railroad authority, but in the event said

state does not have a railroad authority, the second member shall be the director

of the participating state's transportation agency.  The members shall select designees who shall serve in the absence of the members.  The advisory council shall meet within thirty days after ratification of this agreement

by at least two participating states and establish rules for the conduct of the advisory

council's business. The advisory council shall coordinate all aspects of the high speed intercity rail

passenger feasibility study relative to interstate connections and shall do all other

things necessary and proper for the completion of the feasibility study. Article IV Effective Date This compact shall become effective upon the adoption of the compact into law by two

or more of the participating states.  Thereafter, it shall enter into force and effect as to any other participating state

upon the enactment thereof by such state. This compact shall continue in force with respect to a participating state and remain

binding upon such state until six months after such state has given notice to each

other participating state of the repeal thereof.  Such withdrawal shall not be construed to relieve any participating state from any

obligation incurred prior to the end of the state's participation in the compact as

provided herein. Article V Construction and Severability This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof.  The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence,

or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any

participating state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government,

agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of

this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance

shall not be affected thereby.  If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any participating

state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states

and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.”