64.04.180 - Railroad properties as public utility and transportation corridors -- Declaration of availability for public use -- Acquisition of reversionary interest.

Railroad properties as public utility and transportation corridors — Declaration of availability for public use — Acquisition of reversionary interest.

Railroad properties, including but not limited to rights-of-way, land held in fee and used for railroad operations, bridges, tunnels, and other facilities, are declared to be suitable for public use upon cessation of railroad operations on the properties. It is in the public interest of the state of Washington that such properties retain their character as public utility and transportation corridors, and that they may be made available for public uses including highways, other forms of mass transportation, conservation, energy production or transmission, or recreation. Nothing in this section or in RCW 64.04.190 authorizes a public agency or utility to acquire reversionary interests in public utility and transportation corridors without payment of just compensation.

[1988 c 16 § 1; 1984 c 143 § 22.]