CT HB05415

Declares it state policy to preserve the Air Line State Park Trail in its natural character as a historical transportation route between Boston and New York from the late nineteenth century.

Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to acquire land, rights-of-way, and easements through purchase, gift, or eminent domain (limited to a 200-foot strip bordering the trail) to establish and protect the trail.

Establishes the trail primarily as a footpath with preserved natural scenic beauty, while permitting other compatible uses that do not substantially interfere with primary use and allowing public passage over existing roads.

Provides liability protection for private landowners who grant rights-of-way across their property, exempting them from user injury liability except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.

Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to enter cooperative agreements with private organizations for trail maintenance and to use available department funds for implementation, effective October 1, 2014.