Bill > HB142

This bill modifies Alaska's existing laws regarding the use of railroad land for public purposes by adding new requirements and clarifying existing processes. Specifically, the bill requires that before a municipality or state can use railroad land for purposes like walkways or trails, they must first obtain written permission from the Alaska Railroad Corporation (the corporation), which will only grant such permission if the proposed use does not create safety hazards or significantly interfere with railroad operations. The bill introduces a new requirement that the municipality or state must also obtain a notarized written consent from the property owner who has an easement on the land, and this consent must be recorded in the local recorder's office. Additionally, the proposed use must be subject to an agreement that holds the corporation harmless from liability, requires the municipality or state to defend the corporation in any legal actions arising from the land use, and allows the corporation to halt the use if it creates safety concerns or interferes with railroad operations. The bill also updates cross-references in related statutes to ensure consistency with these new provisions, and specifies that these changes will apply to land use authorizations on or after the effective date of the act.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB142