(a) The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program is hereby created to fund capital improvements and operational investments that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize California’s intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems to achieve all of the following policy objectives:
(1) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(2) Expand and improve rail service to increase ridership.
(3) Integrate the rail service of the state’s various rail operators, including integration with the high-speed rail system.
(4) Improve rail safety.
(b) The Transportation Agency shall evaluate applications for funding under the program consistent with the criteria set forth in this chapter and prepare a list of projects recommended for funding. The list may be revised at any time.
(c) The California Transportation Commission shall award grants to applicants pursuant to the list prepared by the Transportation Agency.