60-11-121. Legislative findings. (1) The legislature finds that it is in the interests of the state of Montana to preserve and encourage, whenever possible, Montana's railroad transportation infrastructure, especially:

(a) those railroads classified as Class III carriers under 49 CFR, chapter X, that operate mainly within the state; and

(b) those railroads within the state that are eligible for rail freight assistance programs under 49 U.S.C. 1654.

(2) The legislature further finds that:

(a) the railroad transportation infrastructure of the state is enhanced by the development and improvement of intermodal transportation facilities by port authorities created under Title 7, chapter 14, part 11; and

(b) abandonment of railroad branch lines and the increased demands for shipping have a negative impact on the highways of the state.

(3) The legislature further finds that the preservation of those railroads described in subsection (1)(b) and the development and improvement of intermodal transportation facilities are necessary to enhance access to markets, to mitigate rural isolation and long-term negative impacts on the highways of the state, and to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's transportation system.

(4) The legislature declares that loans and grants made available under 60-11-120 to railroads and to port authorities are in the interest of the state.