[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 1147]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-410]



[[Page 1147]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
[STB Ex Parte No. 619]


Petition of Fieldston Co., Inc. To Establish Procedures Regarding 
Ex Parte Communications in Railroad Merger Proceedings

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Statement of policy.

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SUMMARY: The ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 109 Stat. 
803 (ICCTA), at 49 U.S.C. 11324(f), permits, but does not require, ex 
parte communications in certain circumstances involving the 
consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of railroads in a 
transaction that involves at least one Class I railroad. The Board 
announces that it will not entertain ex parte communications in 
railroad merger proceedings.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 8, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph H. Dettmar, (202) 927-5660. 
[TDD for the hearing impaired: (202) 927-5721.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to a petition filed by Fieldston 
Co., Inc., the Board has announced that it will not entertain ex parte 
communications in railroad merger proceedings. While a change in the 
law permits ex parte communications in railroad merger proceedings 
under certain conditions, the Board has decided not to entertain ex 
parte communications in these proceedings because entertainment of ex 
parte communications would impede efficiency, fairness, and public 
confidence in the Board's railroad merger review procedures.
    Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. To 
purchase a copy of the full decision, write to, call, or pick up in 
person from: DC News & Data, Inc., Room 2229, 1201 Constitution Ave., 
N.W., Washington, DC 20423. Telephone: (202) 289-4357/4359. [Assistance 
for the hearing impaired is available through TDD services (202) 927-
5721.]

    Decided: December 31, 1996.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan, Vice Chairman Simmons, and 
Commissioner Owen.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-410 Filed 1-7-97; 8:45 am]
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