Increased protection and compensation for landowners affected by 'Rails to Trails'.
This law significantly strengthens the rights of property owners whose land is crossed by unused railway lines designated for recreational trails. It mandates obtaining signed approval from every affected owner and guarantees them compensation at a minimum of fair market value for the use of their property. These changes give citizens greater control over the conversion of abandoned tracks into trails and ensure financial protection.
Key points
Signed approval is required from every property owner before an abandoned railway line can be converted into a recreational trail.
Landowners must receive compensation at a minimum of fair market value for the use of their property for the trail.
A mandatory 90-day public comment period and a cost-benefit analysis (including impact on safety, privacy, and local economy) must occur before trail approval.
An advisory committee, predominantly composed of landowners, will be established to recommend trail maintenance standards.
Expired
Citizen Poll