SB 727: The Great Redwood Trail Agency.

The bill creates the Great Redwood Trail Agency, a subdivision of the state, with the power to acquire, own, lease, and operate railroad lines and equipment, and to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain a trail in or parallel to its rail rights-of-way. The agency must adopt an annual budget, provide regular audits, and maintain accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The agency is exempt from building ordinances and zoning ordinances in the counties and cities it serves, except for development of projects on properties not owned or controlled by the agency. It is also exempt from laws governing the disposition of surplus property and hazardous waste. The agency can contract with state agencies or organizations to staff it, and can receive funds from these agencies. The agency can adopt ordinances and rules for trails, excursion rail servi…