Bill > S2363

This bill establishes the InterCity Regional Passenger Rail Fund, a dedicated fund for financing rail transportation projects in Massachusetts, with a specific initial focus on expanding passenger rail service along the Route 2 Corridor. The fund will be financed through a unique mechanism involving gaming revenues: 100% of the revenue from a Category 1 gaming licensee in Region D (specifically the cities and towns in the Worcester Northern District Registry of Deeds) will be transferred to this new rail fund. The bill also modifies gaming license regions, creating a new Region D and stipulating that any gaming license in this region must be located on a site with at least 70 contiguous acres. The fund can be used for various transportation-related expenses, including contracts, services, and debt service on bonds issued for intercity passenger rail expansion or improvements. The bill aims to provide a sustainable funding source for enhancing public transportation infrastructure in Massachusetts, particularly in the Route 2 Corridor region.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2363