S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Section 34.6 of S.L. 2017-57 creates an Advance Right-of-Way Acquisition Account within the Highway Trust Fund, for acquisition of specified right-of-way by the Department of Transportation (DOT) prior to a project being programmed in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Funds may only be used for a project that meets all of the following requirements:

• The right-of-way must be identified as a future right-of-way in: (i) a corridor protection map adopted pursuant State law; (ii) the most recently adopted STIP, or (iii) both a corridor protection map and the most recently adopted STIP.
• DOT has determined it is in the best interest of the public to acquire the right-of-way: (i) as a protective purchase, or (ii) to remove an undue hardship.
• For Turnpike projects only, a Record of Decision or a Finding of No Significant Impact must have been issued.

This section became effective July 1, 2017.