H1168 - Murphy Branch Corridor Reduction. (SL 2020-59)

Overview: S.L. 2020-59 reduces the Department of Transportation's (DOT) right-of-way interest in certain portions of the Murphy Branch rail corridor in Cherokee County and transfers certain portions of the Murphy Branch rail corridor in Cherokee County to adjacent real property owners upon the adjacent real property owner's release of all claims against the State and DOT with respect to the interest transferred.

This act became effective June 30, 2020.

CURRENT LAW: The Murphy Branch rail line was constructed in the 1880's as part of the Western North Carolina Railroad whose western terminus was the Town of Murphy. The Andrews to Murphy leg of the branch closed in 1985 and the State purchased the portion of tract between Dillsboro and Murphy. Article 2D of Chapter 136 relates to railroad revitalization and the programs for railway corridor preservation. DOT is the State agency responsible for administering all State and federal railroad revitalization programs.