Section 85.01. Definitions.

  In this chapter:

(1)  “Department" means the department of transportation.

(2)  “Division of hearings and appeals" means the division of hearings and appeals in the department of administration.

(2m)  “Operator" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (41) .

(3)  “Rail property" means all fixed property, real or personal, used in operating a railroad.

(4)  “Rail property improvements" means rails, ties, switches, spurs, buildings, signals, trestles, bridges and other property, exclusive of land, that may be used in operating a railroad.

(5)  “Railroad" means a railroad as defined in s. 195.02 (1) and any company, association, corporation or person managing, maintaining, operating or in possession of a railroad in whole or in part within this state whether as owner, contractor, lessee, mortgagee, trustee, assignee or receiver.

(7)  “Railway" means a corporation described in s. 193.01 , 1983 stats.

(8)  “Secretary" means the secretary of transportation.