Sec. 5. (a) The department, as sole agent for the State, may acquire by purchase or condemnation or otherwise any portion or portions of any rail properties. In addition, the department may acquire any other non-rail property found by the department to be necessary for the operation of a railroad.
(b) The authority to acquire rail properties extends to rail properties both within and not within the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission. It also includes rail properties within the purview of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and any other relevant federal legislation.
(c) The acquisition of the rail properties, by the department is for the purpose of the continued and future operation of a railroad deemed to be in the public interest. The acquisition of the rail properties, and other non-rail property, is declared to be a public purpose and to be reasonably necessary. This action may be taken in concert with another State or States as necessary to insure continued rail service in this State.
Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.79, SEC.1. As amended by Acts 1980, P.L.74, SEC.44.