SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5675

BYSenators Kreidler and Bluechel

Promoting the reuse of abandoned rail corridors.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5675 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

With the decline of rail transportation, many railroad rights of way have been abandoned.  In many cases local and state governments have acquired segments of these rights of way for public reuse, including recreational uses.  Conversion of such properties to other uses entails issues regarding protection of the property of adjacent landowners, real property transactions, and coordination among multiple jurisdictions through which such lines may run.

SUMMARY:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is to submit a report to the Legislature no later than December 31, 1989 on the status of public reuse of railroad properties within the state.  An advisory group of state and local government agencies, landowners and recreational groups, and legislative staff are to assist in preparation of the report.  The report shall describe existing reuse projects, an assessment of statewide needs for such facilities, identification of potential funding sources, and recommendations for legislative action to facilitate public reuse.

$20,000 is appropriated to the Parks and Recreation Commission to prepare the study.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The report shall include proposals for implementing rail/trail conversions, trail acquisition, development or maintenance, and those that could expose the state or other public bodies to personal injury liability.  A trail not included in the proposal is not eligible for state or local government funding unless it lies wholly within the local jurisdiction and is part of the local jurisdiction's plan.  A 15 member advisory committee shall assist the director, representing specified interests.  The director and committee shall report upon issues such as need, legal title, acquisition and development costs, mitigation methods, liability exposure, and attitudes of affected landowners.  The proposal for implementation shall be made at least every five years beginning no later than December 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    $20,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 16, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Rita Blunk (pro); Walt Olson, IHW (pro); Olive Hull, Tuesday Trotters (pro)