(1) The department must transfer, at no cost, to the Port of Royal Slope the Royal Slope railroad right-of-way, and any materials, equipment, and supplies purchased as a part of the Royal Slope rehabilitation project (L1000053).

(2) The Port of Royal Slope must maintain the Royal Slope railroad right-of-way and contract with an operator to provide service.

(3)(a) If the Port of Royal Slope is unable to secure an operator for any continuous five-year period, the right-of-way and any materials, equipment, and remaining supplies revert to the department.

(b) If ownership of the right-of-way reverts to the department under this subsection, the property must be in at least substantially the same condition as when the right-of-way was initially transferred under this section.

(4) Any operator agreement entered into under this section must not limit the state's ability to enter into a franchise agreement on the rail line. If the state enters into such a franchise agreement, the agreement must allow any person operating on that rail line pursuant to a valid contract to continue to operate under the terms of the contract.

Effective date—2015 c 281: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 18, 2015]." [ 2015 c 281 s 3.]