(1) The transportation legislation review committee shall study the recommendations of the executive director made pursuant to section 43-1-1303(3) for acquisition of, and use or uses for, abandoned or proposed to be abandoned railroad rights-of-way. On or before October 1 of each year, the executive director shall submit a prioritized list that shall include recommendations for the acquisition and proposed use of abandoned or proposed to be abandoned railroad rights-of-way. The members of the transportation legislation review committee shall determine which abandoned railroad rights-of-way may be acquired by the department and funded out of the state rail bank fund, created in section 43-1-1309, based upon the greatest need and its proposed use or uses.(2) The transportation legislation review committee may hold such hearings as it determines necessary to consider reports, studies, and other pertinent information from any source, including affected individuals, political subdivisions, railroad companies, or other entities, with respect to the acquisition of abandoned railroad rights-of-way.(3) The transportation legislation review committee may determine the priority of

divisions, railroad companies, or other entities, with respect to the acquisition of abandoned railroad rights-of-way.(3) The transportation legislation review committee may determine the priority of acquisition of, and use or uses for, abandoned railroad rights-of-way by the department.L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1622, § 2, effective June 4.