Bill > S05581

This bill authorizes cities with railroad routes to request that railroad corporations perform maintenance on their bridges and rights of way, including tasks like painting, cleaning, repairing, lighting, grading, tree removal, and other upkeep. If a railroad corporation fails to respond within 90 days of a detailed written request, the city can notify the corporation that it will perform the maintenance itself at the railroad's expense. After an additional 30-day waiting period, the city can proceed with the maintenance, and the railroad must provide necessary cooperation such as adjusting train schedules and providing access. Once the maintenance is complete, the city will send an itemized invoice to the railroad, which must pay within 60 days or risk having a lien placed on its local property. The bill also allows railroad corporations to seek a court modification of maintenance requests if they can demonstrate good cause, and provides cities the ability to seek triple damages in court if a railroad corporation unreasonably refuses to comply with maintenance requests. This legislation aims to ensure that railroad infrastructure within city limits is properly maintained and provides cities with a clear mechanism to address maintenance issues.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5581