FINDINGS

The legislature finds that: (1) the state contains many rural areas that are heavily dependent on agriculture for economic survival; (2) transportation of agricultural and industrial products is essential to the continued economic vitality of rural areas; (3) the rail transportation systems in some rural areas are threatened by railroad bankruptcies and abandonment proceedings that would cause the cessation of rail services to the areas; (4) it is in the interest of all citizens of the state that existing rail systems be maintained for the most efficient and economical movement of essential agricultural products from the areas of production to the local, national, and export markets; (5) rural rail transportation districts are appropriate political subdivisions to provide for the continued operation of railroads, which are declared by Section 2, Article X, Texas Constitution, to be public highways; (6) the creation, re-creation, financing, maintenance, and operation of rural rail transportation districts and facilities acquired by the districts under this chapter will help develop, maintain, and diversify the economy of the state, eliminate unemployment or underemployment, foster the growth of enterprises based on agriculture, and serve to develop and expand transportation and commerce within the state under the authority granted by Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution; and (7) financing by rural rail transportation districts for the purposes provided by this chapter is a lawful and valid public purpose.