Title 49 — TransportationRelease 119-73

§22701 Definitions

Title 49 › Subtitle SUBTITLE V— - RAIL PROGRAMS › Part PART B— - ASSISTANCE › Chapter CHAPTER 227— - STATE RAIL PLANS › § 22701

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines key words used in the subchapter and says how they must be decided for each project. It explains what counts as a private benefit or a public benefit, and it names what “State” and “State rail transportation authority” mean. “Private benefit” means a gain for a person or private company (not Amtrak) that improves their finances or operations; it is decided for each project by agreement and the Secretary can ask States and rail carriers for advice. “Public benefit” means a gain for the public (including Amtrak), like better mobility, environmental or economic improvements; it is also decided per project by agreement and the Secretary can seek advice. “State” means the 50 States and the District of Columbia. “State rail transportation authority” means the State agency or official in charge of the State rail plan.

Full Legal Text

Title 49, §22701

Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

In this subchapter: 11 So in original. Probably should be “chapter:”.

(1)(A)The term “private benefit”—

(i)means a benefit accrued to a person or private entity, other than Amtrak, that directly improves the economic and competitive condition of that person or entity through improved assets, cost reductions, service improvements, or any other means as defined by the Secretary; and

(ii)shall be determined on a project-by-project basis, based upon an agreement between the parties.

(B)The Secretary may seek the advice of the States and rail carriers in further defining this term.

(2)(A)The term “public benefit”—

(i)means a benefit accrued to the public, including Amtrak, in the form of enhanced mobility of people or goods, environmental protection or enhancement, congestion mitigation, enhanced trade and economic development, improved air quality or land use, more efficient energy use, enhanced public safety or security, reduction of public expenditures due to improved transportation efficiency or infrastructure preservation, and any other positive community effects as defined by the Secretary; and

(ii)shall be determined on a project-by-project basis, based upon an agreement between the parties.

(B)The Secretary may seek the advice of the States and rail carriers in further defining this term.

(3)The term “State” means any of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

(4)The term “State rail transportation authority” means the State agency or official responsible under the direction of the Governor of the State or a State law for preparation, maintenance, coordination, and administration of the State rail plan.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

49 U.S.C. § 22701

Title 49 — Transportation

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73