Chapter 222 — Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Act

222.01 Air Rights Affecting Public Service Company You must get permission from the transportation commissioner before using air rights over a railroad or utility … 222.02 Repealed section on railroad right-of-way procedures. 222.025 Right-of-way, Easement, Procedure Sets the process for railroads to get easements over state-owned land, including appraisal and payment rules. 222.03 Repealed section on railroad right-of-way procedures. 222.04 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.05 Municipal Transfer of Public Land Cities and towns can sell or lease public land to railroad companies. 222.06 Repealed section on railroad and public land. 222.07 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.08 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.09 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.10 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.11 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.12 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.13 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.14 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.141 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.15 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.16 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.17 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.18 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.19 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.20 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.21 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.22 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.23 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.24 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.25 Repealed section on railroad procedures. 222.26 Right-of-way Over Public Way Railroads may use public roads for their tracks, either by agreement with the local government or by condemnation. 222.27 Power to Acquire Property Railroad companies can buy or condemn land needed for tracks, depots, warehouses, and other railroad structures. 222.28 Repealed section on railroad property powers. 222.29 Contractor's Bond; Liability of Company Railroad contractors must post a bond to pay workers. If they do not, the railroad company is liable for unpaid wages. 222.30 Liability of Company After Notice Railroad companies must pay workers left unpaid by their contractors, if the worker gives written notice within 60 days. 222.31 Repealed section on railroad liability. 222.32 Repealed section on railroad liability. 222.33 Office in State Every Minnesota railroad must keep a general office in the state with an agent who can accept legal papers. 222.34 Land Grant Railroad Company Land grant railroad companies must keep records about their land in a Minnesota office open to state inspection. 222.35 Repealed section on railroad records. 222.36 Power of Eminent Domain in Certain Cases Public service companies can use eminent domain to get land needed for their business, including utility lines along … 222.37 Public Road; Use, Restriction Utilities, pipelines, and cable companies may use public roads for their lines, but must follow local rules and not … 222.38 Repealed section on pipeline use of public roads. 222.39 Repealed section on pipeline use of public roads. 222.40 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.41 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.42 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.43 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.44 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.45 Repealed section on pipeline regulation. 222.46 Rail Service Improvement Act; Purpose The legislature created the Rail Service Improvement Act to preserve and improve essential rail service in Minnesota. 222.47 Citation Sections 222.46 to 222.54 are called the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Act. 222.48 Definitions Defines key terms used in the Rail Service Improvement Act, including commissioner, department, rail line, and rail … 222.49 Rail Service Improvement Accounts; Appropriation Creates a state fund for rail service improvements, funded by state money, bonds, and federal grants. 222.50 Rail Service Improvement Program Sets up a state program to fix and improve railroad lines, with grants, contracts, and worker pay rules. 222.51 Participation by Political Subdivision Local governments can spend money on rail improvements with the transportation commissioner's approval. 222.52 Cooperation Between States Minnesota's transportation commissioner can work with other states on rail service improvement. 222.53 Acceptance of Federal Money The commissioner can accept federal money for rail improvements and must maintain a state rail service plan. 222.54 Access to Information The commissioner can request information from railroads and issue subpoenas if they do not respond within 60 days. 222.545 Advocacy of Improved Service The commissioner can promote better rail service by helping shippers, negotiating with railroads, and appearing in … 222.55 Rail User and Rail Carrier Loan Guarantee Program; Purpose Creates a loan guarantee program to help rail users and carriers pay for track repairs, rolling stock, and capital … 222.56 Definitions Defines terms used in the rail user and carrier loan guarantee program, including eligible borrower and lender. 222.57 Rail User and Rail Carrier Loan Guarantee Account Explains how the state rail loan guarantee program works, including guarantee limits and default procedures. 222.58 Insurance of Loan Sets requirements for loan applications under the rail guarantee program. 222.59 Investment of Funds The commissioner can charge fees and set terms for guaranteed rail loans. 222.60 Maximum Amount of Insurance Issued Describes what happens when a borrower defaults on a state-guaranteed rail loan. 222.61 The commissioner must report to the legislature each year on the rail loan guarantee program. 222.62 Cooperation of Other State Agencies Gives the commissioner power to make rules for the rail loan guarantee program. 222.63 Abandoned Right-of-way; State Rail Bank Sets rules for railroad mergers, acquisitions, and service changes in Minnesota. 222.631 Definitions Creates the state rail bank to preserve abandoned railroad corridors for future transportation use. 222.632 Right of First Refusal Defines terms used in the state rail bank program. 222.633 The commissioner manages the state rail bank and can acquire, maintain, and lease rail corridors. 222.64 Employment Preference Requires railroads to notify the state before abandoning a rail line. 222.65 Gives the commissioner power to intervene in federal railroad proceedings that affect Minnesota. 222.75 Allows the commissioner to plan and develop passenger rail service in Minnesota. 222.85 Definitions Creates rules for high-speed passenger rail development in Minnesota. 222.86 Acquisition Reporting and Disclosure Defines terms used in the high-speed rail statutes. 222.87 Preservation of Contract, Legal Status Sets up a process for planning and building high-speed rail in Minnesota. 222.88 Priority in Hiring Gives the commissioner power to acquire land and enter contracts for high-speed rail. 325E.021 Utility Delinquency Charges Requires pipeline companies to give notice before starting construction near homes or businesses.