(1) As used in this section, “freight mobility project” means a project that supports the safe, reliable and efficient movement of goods between and among local, national and international markets.
(2) The Legislative Assembly finds that investment in freight mobility projects will yield a return on the state’s investment in terms of improved economic opportunity and safety.
(3) In developing the STIP, the Department of Transportation shall give priority to freight mobility projects that:
(a) Are located on identified freight routes of statewide or regional significance;
(b) Remove identified barriers to the safe, reliable and efficient movement of goods; and
(c) Facilitate public and private investment that creates or sustains jobs.