(1) Montana's railroad branch lines provide critical transportation to Montana businesses and communities. These lines are especially important to Montana's agricultural and wood products industries that rely on railroads to transport Montana products to national and international markets. The branch lines are also critical to efforts to increase or expand businesses that process Montana commodities into more valuable products.
(2) A state rail funding program will provide Montana with an important tool to help preserve and enhance Montana's branch lines.
(3) The purpose of sections 60-11-113 through 60-11-116 is to provide low-interest loans to railroads, cities, counties, companies, or regional rail authorities for the purposes provided in 60-11-120 to preserve or enhance cost-effective rail service to Montana communities and businesses.