§ 70201. State freight advisory committees
State freight advisory committees
In General.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall encourage each State to establish a freight advisory committee consisting of a representative cross-section of public and private sector freight stakeholders, including representatives of—
ports, if applicable;
freight railroads, if applicable;
shippers;
carriers;
freight-related associations;
third-party logistics providers;
the freight industry workforce;
the transportation department of the State;
metropolitan planning organizations;
local governments;
the environmental protection department of the State, if applicable;
the air resources board of the State, if applicable;
economic development agencies of the State; and
not-for-profit organizations or community organizations.
Qualifications.—
Each member of a freight advisory committee established under subsection (a) shall have qualifications sufficient to serve on a freight advisory committee, including, as applicable—
general business and financial experience;
experience or qualifications in the areas of freight transportation and logistics;
experience in transportation planning;
experience representing employees of the freight industry;
experience representing a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization; or
experience representing the views of a community group or not-for-profit organization.
Role of Committee.—
A freight advisory committee of a State described in subsection (a) shall—
advise the State on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs;
serve as a forum for discussion for State transportation decisions affecting freight mobility;
communicate and coordinate regional priorities with other organizations;
promote the sharing of information between the private and public sectors on freight issues; and
participate in the development of the freight plan of the State described in section 70202, including by providing advice regarding the development of the freight investment plan.