HR 358

ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 358
BY REPRESENTATIVE PHELPS
  A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development, through the
       department's District 4 commissioner, to engage in communication with certain
       railroad companies, including but not limited to Kansas City Southern Railway
       Company and Union Pacific Railroad to address abandoned and blighted railroads
       and associated structures in certain parishes in Louisiana.
       WHEREAS, in Northwest Louisiana, the railroad history features several historically
significant abandoned lines and corridors, including but not limited to Kansas City Southern
Railway Company, Union Pacific Railroad, Texas and Pacific Railway Company, the
Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company, and the Louisiana and Arkansas
Railway; and
       WHEREAS, abandoned and blighted railroad lines pose significant safety,
environmental, and public health hazards; and
       WHEREAS, rotting timber, protruding spikes, and uneven tracks create severe
tripping hazards and can damage car tires or disrupt vehicles at crossing points; and
       WHEREAS, old wooden railroad ties are heavily treated with creosote, a pesticide
and fungicide, that can ooze from the wood and leach into the soil and local watersheds; and
       WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the public to address abandoned and blighted
railroads in the state of Louisiana; and
       WHEREAS, communication with these railroad commissions can provide a solution
to address abandoned and blighted railroads in the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Claiborne, Desoto, Red River, and Webster.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Transportation and
Development, through the department's District 4 commissioner, to engage in
communication and strategize the removal or remediation of certain railroads with the
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HR NO. 358  ENROLLED
referenced railroad companies to address abandoned and blighted railroads and associated
structures in the listed Northwestern Louisiana parishes.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development, District 4 commissioner, shall consult and communicate with parish or city
governing authorities in an effort to resolve the problem with abandoned and blighted
railroads.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
Development, District 4 commissioner, shall maintain and provide a contact list of the
referenced railroad companies to the listed parishes.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall submit a written report to
the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works prior to January 1,
2027, that provides details on discussions and the intent of the railroads to resolve the
abandoned and blighted railroads and associated structures in the listed Northwestern
Louisiana parishes.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development.
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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