The state rail authority is authorized to:
(1) Enter into agreements with any person on behalf of the state to acquire an interest in any abandoned railroad right-of-way, to develop, maintain or promote any rail trails created pursuant to the provisions of this article and, with the consent of the director of the Division of Natural Resources, to transfer the maintenance and operation of rail trails created and developed to the Division of Natural Resources.
(2) Assist any political subdivision or any person in acquiring an interest in any abandoned railroad right-of-way and in developing, maintaining or promoting rail trails.
(3) Evaluate existing and potential abandoned railroad rights-of-way so as to identify such lands as may be suitable for nonmotorized recreational trail use.
(4) Establish state rail trails, subject to the limitations on acquisition of land for state recreational facilities as set forth in section twenty, article one, chapter twenty of this code.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 5B. Economic Development Act of 1985
Article 1A. West Virginia Rails to Trails Program
§5B-1A-2. Rails to Trails Program
§5B-1A-4. Powers and Duties of the Authority
§5B-1A-5. Powers to Hold and Acquire Real Property
§5B-1A-6. Abandoned Rights-of-Way Owned by the State Prior to Effective Date of Article
§5B-1A-7. Railroad Rights-of-Way Preservation
§5B-1A-8. Limitation on Liability of Owner From Whom State Acquires Land or Interest Therein
§5B-1A-9. Limitation on Liability of Persons Making Land Available for Trail Use Without Charge