An Act To Preserve and Protect the State's Rail Corridors

Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §7109  is enacted to read:

§ 7109.  Preservation and protection of rail corridors

Notwithstanding any other law, the Department of Transportation shall preserve and protect the State's rail corridors for future railroad use and shall maintain all rail corridors in a condition that allows for their resuming railroad service.

A rail corridor may not be converted into or operated as a trail, used as a pathway or space for walking or biking, used for any other form of nonmotorized travel or recreation or used as a bus line without first being evaluated for passenger railroad service.

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to preserve and protect the rail corridors of the State for future railroad use and maintain all rail corridors in a condition that allows for their resuming railroad service.

The bill prohibits a rail corridor from being converted into or operated as a trail, used as a pathway or space for walking or biking, used for any other form of nonmotorized travel or recreation or used as a bus line without first being evaluated for passenger railroad service.