SENATE FILE 2151

BY  ANDERSON

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to rental of land within the right-of-way of a primary highway for farming purposes and providing for the allocation of resulting revenue to the primary road fund.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  313.70  Farming activity within highway right-of-way —— rental agreements.
   The department may permit vegetation to be baled or crops to be grown on land that is within the right-of-way of a primary highway if the department determines that the farming activity or the type of crop to be grown in proximity to the highway would not create a safety hazard for motorists or for persons involved in the farming activity and that the activity would be conducted in compliance with section 314.17. The department may enter into a rental agreement with a private party for the use of the land. Moneys collected by the department from the rental of land pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the primary road fund.
EXPLANATION
   This bill allows the department of transportation to allow vegetation to be baled or crops to be grown within the right-of-way of a primary highway if the department determines that the farming activity or the type of crop to be planted in proximity to the highway would not present a safety hazard and that the activity would be conducted in compliance with current restrictions on the mowing of roadside vegetation. The department is authorized to collect rent for the use of the land within the right-of-way. Proceeds from the rental of land for farming shall be deposited in the primary road fund.