FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 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.

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 until 1980, when the company abandoned its operations in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, the abandoned rail line is owned by the state and managed by the Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Summary:

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 (Port). This transfer must be made at no cost to the Port. The Port must maintain the right-of-way and contract with an operator; however, if there is no operator on the line for any continuous five-year period, the right-of-way and any materials, equipment, and remaining supplies must revert to the WSDOT. Additionally, if the property is to revert to the WSDOT, it must be in at least substantially the same condition as when the right-of-way was initially transferred. Finally, any operator agreement for the rail line must not limit the state's ability to enter into a franchise agreement on the line, and any such franchise agreement must allow any operator on the line to continue to operate.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	1
Senate	48	0	(Senate amended)
House	96	0	(House concurred)