When a rail relocation is ordered by hazmat legislation, who pays for the relocation?

Question

When a rail relocation is ordered by hazmat legislation, who pays for the relocation?

Answer 1

Its something that will be fought over, but its usually the government who pays.  Sometimes it isn't just sompensation under emminent domain

Answer 2

It is shared jointly. However, railroads are so subsidized by the govenment that it is really the govenment paying for it.

Answer 3

It certainly is not the responsibility of the railroad since they are not the party wishing to have the rail line moved (although they may, and would likely, oversee the actual relocation), unless there is some [very] outstanding reason.  In a hazmat case (as in nearly all cases where a party outside of the railroad is wishing a rail line to be relocated), it would be the local, state, and, most likely, federal government's responsibility to see the relocation happen.

EDIT:  At least here in the U.S. the private freight railroads rarely receive government help, and when they do it is almost always a loan required to be repaid (usually, though, at a very low interest rate).  Amtrak, the nation's passenger-rail operator, and other state-sponspored transit agencies are the sole exceptions.  Also regarding the private freight railroads, they virtually never are required to provide funding for a project such as relocating a rail line unless, again, they are the party interested in the relocation.

Answer 4

No matter what anyone else says, the cost will always fall to the lowest common denominator, ie the Taxpayer/citizen. Both the government and the business affected will find ways to take more money from individuals pockets to pay for the "upgrade". It may take time, but it will happen. Maybe not 100% of the cost, but you can bet you will feel the pain 100% of the time, even if it's only a 1% increase. That's my opinion, and I"m sticking to it.

Answer 5

The owner of the railway; they are responsible.