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Montana committee advances bill to clear rules for utilities crossing railroad right-of-way after contentious hearing
Summary
The House Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 933 after a hearing where broadband and utility companies urged clearer crossing rules and BNSF Railway warned the bill could interfere with private property rights and ongoing litigation.
The House Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 933, which would allow utilities to cross or place infrastructure within a railroad's right of way and adjacent railroad land, following a contested hearing that drew broadband providers, local utilities and rail companies to testify.
Supporters said the bill would provide predictable timelines and fees needed to build broadband and water infrastructure; opponents, led by BNSF Railway, said the legislature should not intervene in private disputes and warned of legal and safety risks.
Sponsor Representative Neil Durham, R-House District 1, told the committee the bill is meant to bring parties to the table and provide a timeline for permits. “Section 3 is important that it recognizes existing agreements. Section 4 describes the rights of utilities and their crossings,” Durham said during opening remarks.
Brady Adams, chief operating officer of Intermountain Infrastructure Group (IIG), described repeated delays and uncertainty his company has faced seeking railroad crossings…
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