SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5863

                       AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1991

Brief Description:  Correcting internal references in rail freight property acquisition statutes.

SPONSORS:Senator Sellar.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Erwin, Madsen, McMullen, Oke, Sellar, Skratek, Snyder, Thorsness, and Vognild. 

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786‑7303)

Hearing Dates:March 5, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 the Department of Transportation was authorized to acquire rail line corridors which either were abandoned or were going to be abandoned.  The purpose of the acquisition was to preserve these rail corridors for future rail freight service and to provide direction for property management and disposal.

Legislation governing Department of Transportation activities over rail freight programs was changed in 1990 and the statutory authority for the department to acquire abandoned rail lines was recodified.  References within existing DOT rail powers did not reflect this recodification.

SUMMARY:

References within the code relating to Department of Transportation management of abandoned rail lines are updated to reflect the 1990 legislative changes.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Corrects internal references within rail freight statutes.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jim Shanafelt, DOT (pro)