Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1586
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Transferring a railroad right-of-way to the Port of Royal Slope.
Sponsors: Representatives Manweller, Dent, Orcutt and Wylie.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
The Royal Slope Railroad is a 26-mile rail line running from Royal City to Othello. The rail line was originally operated by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad company until 1980, when the company abandoned its operations in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, much of the abandoned rail line is owned by the state and managed by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Summary of Bill:
The WSDOT must transfer the Royal Slope railroad right-of-way, and any supplies purchased as part of a recent rehabilitation project, to the Port of Royal Slope. The Port must maintain the right-of-way and contract with an operator. If there is not an operator on the line for any continuous five-year period, the right-of-way must revert to the WSDOT.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.