Federal Actions Needed To Retain Essential Defense Rail Service
PLRD-83-73
Published: May 20, 1983. Publicly Released: May 20, 1983.
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Highlights
GAO examined the Department of Defense's (DOD) and the Department of Transportation's (DOT) efforts to: (1) maintain minimum levels of rail service at defense installations; and (2) identify and correct rail deficiencies.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should explore the options for retaining the minimum essential rail service to defense installations with mobilization missions and develop a comprehensive policy to ensure such service is retained. This policy should address issues such as: (1) alternatives and their costs to meet defense mobilization movement needs; (2) minimal essential rail service needs; (3) the amount of funding required to ensure this minimal level; and (4) the need for any legislative changes to ensure that essential rail services to installations are retained. The Secretary should also establish milestones for these actions and alert the appropriate congressional committees if existing statutes or policies would adversely affect completion of these actions. |
DOD and DOT met on November 22, 1983, to reevaluate national rail policy versus defense rail needs. DOT policy and DOD needs proved mutually supportive. The minimum network important to DOD was identified, as were abandonment options, costs, and impact. Funding was determined to be adequate.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should explore the options for retaining the minimum essential rail service to defense installations with mobilization missions and develop a comprehensive policy to ensure such service is retained. This policy should address issues such as: (1) alternatives and their costs to meet defense mobilization movement needs; (2) minimal essential rail needs; (3) amount of funding required to ensure this minimal level; and (4) need for any legislative changes to ensure essential rail services to installations are retained. The Secretary should also establish milestones for these actions and alert the appropriate congressional committees if existing statutes or policies would adversely affect completion of these actions. |
DOD and DOT met on November 22, 1983, to reevaluate national rail policy versus defense rail needs. DOT policy and DOD needs proved mutually supportive. The minimum network important to DOD was identified, as were abandonment options, costs, and impact. Funding was determined to be adequate.
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| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should: (1) modify DOD reporting requirements to ensure that defense installations accurately report their outloading and receiving capabilities to meet peacetime and mobilization movement needs and identify the key constraining factors; (2) establish procedures to ensure rail maintenance projects are appropriately justified and cost-effective; and (3) reevaluate the feasibility and practicality of DOD movement criteria to include road marching vehicles for distances up to 800 miles. |
Parts one and three of this recommendation were completed and verified. The Construction Engineering Laboratory completed its study of the types of rail needed and provided this information to Forces Command. Actions to prioritize and justify rail repair projects are in process. The Laboratory study is being used in conjunction with deployment plans to identify and upgrade rail facilities.
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Topics
Defense contingency planningLogisticsMaintenance (upkeep)MobilizationRailroad transportation operationsReporting requirementsRailMilitary forcesRailroad industryMilitary facilities