(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the abandonment of railroad rights-of-way and the resulting loss of railroad service and established railroad corridors will have an adverse impact on the citizens of the state of Colorado. The general assembly further declares that the preservation of these abandoned railroad corridors, before the lines are dismantled and salvaged, is necessary to ensure the continued availability of these corridors for freight or passenger rail service or other public uses should no rail service operator be immediately available.

(2) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the preservation of railroad service and railroad rights-of-way benefits the transportation system and the economy of the state. The general assembly further finds and declares that the loss of railroad service and of railroad rights-of-way threaten the potential future use of established railroad corridors for transportation purposes if the rail lines or rights-of-way are allowed to be abandoned or sold for purposes other than transportation.

(3) It is the intent of the general assembly by enacting this part 13 to establish and endorse policies to encourage the continued use of existing rail lines, preserve lines and rights-of-way, and promote the future use of railroad rights-of-way for transportation and interim recreational purposes.

(4) If a rail line or right-of-way proposed for abandonment is being considered for acquisition by the state for transportation purposes, which may include interim recreational purposes, the regional planning commissions, acting on behalf of the transportation planning regions, shall assist the state in determining appropriate uses of such rail line or right-of-way. The department and the regional planning commissions shall include in their deliberations representatives from each of the following interests, if such interests are not already represented: Private property owners, recreation and environmental interests, the department of local affairs, and the department of natural resources.