Transportation Code § 131.902

Sec. 131.902. FREIGHT INTERURBAN RAILWAYS. (a) An entity incorporated as an electric, gas or gasoline, denatured alcohol, or naphtha interurban or motor railway that engages in transporting freight is subject to the control of the department. (b) A corporation described by Subsection (a) is not exempt from payment of assessments that may be imposed against it for street improvements. (c) An interurban railway described by Subsection (a): (1) may exercise the same power of eminent domain as given by law to railroads; (2) may exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire right-of-way on which to construct its railway lines and sites for depots and power plants; (3) has the same rights, powers, and privileges as granted by law to an interurban electric railway company; and (4) may acquire, hold, and operate other public utilities in and adjacent to a municipality in or through which the company operates. (d) An interurban railway company described by Subsection (a) may not condemn property on which is located a cemetery unless it is affirmatively shown, and found by the court trying the condemnation suit, that: (1) it is necessary to take the property; and (2) no other route is possible or practicable. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 85 (S.B. 1540), Sec. 2.03, eff. April 1, 2011.