4981.01 Rail development commission definitions.

As used in sections 4981.01 to 4981.34 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Person" means, in addition to the meaning given that term in division (C) of section 1.59 of the Revised Code, any unit of local government, any local or regional transportation authority, and any private corporation or organization.

(B) "Rail property" means any asset or right that is used or is useful in providing rail service, including tracks, rolling stock, rights-of-way, bridges, grade crossing equipment, terminals, stations, parking facilities, and other rail facilities.

(C) "Rail service" means freight, intercity passenger, commuter, and high speed rail transportation service.

(D) "Regional rail reorganization act" means the "Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973," 87 Stat. 986, 45 U.S.C.A. 701 , as amended.

(E) "Local or regional transportation authority" includes a county transit board, a board of county commissioners operating a county transit system, a regional transit authority, a regional transit commission, or any other local or regional transportation authority or agency.

(F) "Qualifying subdivision" means a county, township, or municipal corporation in this state that is levying a tax for the purpose of acquiring, rehabilitating, or developing rail service or rail property pursuant to division (CC) of section 5705.19 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Ancillary system facilities" means all facilities desirable in connection with the operation and maintenance of a rail system such as parking lots, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, offices, and other commercial or support facilities, located within or outside the right-of-way of the rail system.

(H) "Corridor" means a designated portion of a rail system serving two or more designated urban areas.

(I) "Franchise" means a license approved by the Ohio rail development commission that grants exclusive rights to a private corporation or organization to plan, construct, finance, lease, improve, use, operate, maintain, and set and collect charges for the use of a rail system or a portion of a rail system, such as a corridor, for a period of years as permitted by section 4981.29 of the Revised Code, as system owner or as lessee from or agent of the commission.

(J) "Franchise agreement" means the agreement executed between the Ohio rail development commission and a person to whom a franchise is awarded.

(K) "3-C corridor" means the corridor connecting Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.

Effective Date: 10-25-1995