I. The commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources may acquire by purchase, gift or devise any land, including but not limited to abandoned railroad and other public utility rights of way, private property, and easements over private property for the purpose of protecting or developing a statewide trail system.
II. Any expenditure for buildings or shelters along any of the acquired trail system, exceeding the sum of $500, shall be only expended on state owned lands following the normal budgetary procedures for any capital improvement.
III. Any department or agency of the state, or any political subdivision, district or authority may transfer to the department, land or rights in land for said purposes on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon, or may enter into an agreement with the commissioner providing for the establishment and protection of said trail system. Provided, however, that no land except abandoned railroad beds, acquired after the effective date of this chapter by the state or any agency or political subdivision thereof through the exercise of the powers of condemnation or eminent domain shall be included in such trail system.
Source. 1973, 593:1, eff. Sept. 4, 1973. 2017, 156:14, I, eff. July 1, 2017.