Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111
Section 2709 - Disposition of real property by public utility engaged in railroad business(a) Notice.--Before a public utility engaged in a railroad business disposes of real property previously used as a roadbed right-of-way, it must notify the county, city, borough, incorporated town or township in which the real property is located, and it must notify the Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Environmental Resources. Notifications shall be in writing.(b) Procedure after notice.--(1) If a municipality or any authority created by a municipality or group of municipalities makes an offer to purchase the real property within 60 days of receiving notice under subsection (a), the public utility shall accept or reject the offer.(2) If a municipality or any authority created by a municipality or group of municipalities does not make an offer to purchase the real property within 60 days of receiving notice under subsection (a) or if the public utility rejects the offer of a municipality, the administrative agencies specified in subsection (a) have 60 days to decide on making an offer for the real property. If an administrative agency makes an offer under this paragraph, the public utility shall consider the offer and make a decision on the offer before making other disposition of the property. If more than one administrative agency makes an offer, the public utility shall consider the offers in the following order: the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Resources, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.(c) Violation.--If a public utility engaged in a railroad business disposes of real property previously used as a roadbed right-of-way without complying with this section, the disposition is voidable.(d) Compliance.--The notification requirements of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with if the executed, notarized and recorded deed conveying the property contains a recital affirming that the notifications required under this section were made. A copy of each notice shall be appended to the deed when it is recorded.1990, Nov. 29, P.L. 600, No. 151, § 1, effective in 60 days. Amended 1992, March 19, P.L. 18, No. 7, § 4, imd. effective.