RAILROAD-UTILITY-ENCROACHMENT

Amends the Crossing of Railroad Right-of-way Act. Changes the short title to the Crossing and Encroachment of Railroad Right-of-way Act. Defines "encroachment" and "rail carrier". Makes changes to other definitions, including "utility". Removes the definition of "special circumstances" and removes all references to "special circumstances". Repeals provisions concerning dispute resolution if the parties cannot agree whether a special circumstance exists. Provides that a utility shall be deemed to have authorization to commence encroachment activity 35 days after the (i) mailing of the notice, (ii) completion of the engineering specifications, and (iii) payment of the fee. Provides that a utility that locates its facilities within the railroad right-of-way for an encroachment shall pay the rail carrier or land management company a one-time fee of $1,000 for the first 1,000 feet of encroachment and $1 per additional 1,000 feet of encroachment, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. Makes changes in provisions concerning crossing and encroachment fees; powers not limited; conflicting provisions; and applicability. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.