HB 2168

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Creates the Virginia Coal Train Heritage Authority (the Authority) with rights and powers to be exercised by a 25-member board, which will consist of three representatives from the governing body of each of the Counties of Dickenson, Russell, and Wise; two citizen members from each of those three counties; one citizen member from each of the Towns of Clinchco, Haysi, and St. Paul; three commissioners of the Breaks Interstate Park Commission; two citizen members with experience in the excursion train business; and two members of the General Assembly. The Authority's powers are similar to those that other authorities possess. The bill authorizes the Authority to cooperate with any private or governmental entity in the state of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, or North Carolina in the development of a tourist train and exempts any train operator that has entered into a public-private partnership contract with the Authority from liability for personal injury or wrongful death except in the case of gross negligence or an intentional tort. Notice of such immunity must be posted at the time of ticketing and at all train entrances.