(A) The Ohio rail development commission or the department of transportation, on behalf of the commission, may apply for and receive from the United States government loans and grants in accordance with any federal law or program concerning rail transportation.

(B) It is hereby found and determined that rail transportation is an essential and indispensable part of the commerce and industry of the state and is of vital importance to the creation and preservation of jobs and employment opportunities and to the improvement of the economic welfare of the people of the state, and that rail transportation creates, promotes, and is a part of the continuous exchange of goods and services in the state economy. It is further found and determined that the authority granted by Chapter 4981. of the Revised Code is consistent with and will effect the purposes of Section 13 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, that rail transportation is part of and is directly related to industry, commerce, distribution, and research under Section 13 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and that it is in the public interest and a proper public purpose under Section 13 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, for the state to acquire, construct, enlarge, improve, or equip, and to sell, lease, or exchange, or otherwise dispose of property, structures, equipment, and facilities for rail transportation, all as provided in Chapter 4981. of the Revised Code, and that such activities will contribute to the creation or preservation of jobs or employment opportunities or the improvement of the economic welfare of the people of the state. Chapter 4981. of the Revised Code, being necessary for the welfare of the state and its people, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.

Effective Date: 10-20-1994 .