NC H1168

Reduces the North Carolina Department of Transportation's property interest in the former Murphy Branch rail corridor in Cherokee County from Milepost 101.1 to Milepost 113.7 to 25 feet on each side of the center line of tracks.

Transfers the reduced right-of-way interest to adjacent property owners of record upon their release of all claims against the State and Department of Transportation, with transfers required within two years of the act's effective date.

Requires the Department of Transportation to provide a quitclaim deed or deed of release to adjacent property owners within 180 days of claim release, recorded at no expense to the State.

Retains a 15-foot-wide easement on each side of the rail corridor for the Department of Transportation to access and maintain tracks and associated structures, prohibiting buildings, structures, and permanent foliage within the easement.

Excludes the rail corridor in the Town of Murphy on federally owned land and any privately owned railroads from application of this act; reaffirms federal jurisdiction over rail transportation corridors under the Surface Transportation Board.