[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 108 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 30927]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14731]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-501 (Sub-No. 1X)]


Longhorn Railway Company et al.; Discontinuance Exemption; in 
Burnet County, TX

    On May 15, 1997, Longhorn Railway Company (Longhorn) filed with the 
Surface Transportation Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for 
exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to discontinue service 
over approximately a .25-mile segment of the Burnet City track owned by 
the City of Austin, TX, extending between Polk Street and the end of 
the line at Washington Street in Burnet, which traverses through U.S. 
Postal Zip Code 78611. Longhorn has indicated that the only station to 
be affected by the proposed discontinuance of service is Burnet, TX.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in Longhorn's possession will be made available promptly 
to those requesting it. The interest of railroad employees will be 
protected by the conditions set forth in Oregon Short Line R. Company--
Abandonment--Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979).
    By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption 
proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). In a prior decision, 
Longhorn was specifically directed to address the exemption criteria of 
49 U.S.C. 10502(b) if it filed a petition for discontinuance of service 
exemption. See Longhorn Railway Company--Discontinuance Exemption--In 
Burnet, TX, STB Finance Docket No. AB-501X(STB served Apr. 1, 1997) 
(Longhorn). Because the instant petition fails to include a discussion 
of the exemption criteria, Longhorn is directed to submit a 
supplemental filing addressing the exemption criteria within 10 days of 
the service of this decision. Failure to do so will result in 
termination of this exemption proceeding. Assuming we receive the 
supplemental information, a final decision will be issued by September 
2, 1997.
    Any offer of financial assistance to subsidize continued rail 
service under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 10 days 
after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each 
offer of financial assistance must be accompanied by a $900 filing fee. 
See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
    Because this is a discontinuance proceeding and not an abandonment, 
trail use/rail banking and public use conditions are not appropriate.
    Longhorn and the rail line owners, the City of Austin, TX, and 
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, have filed the required 
environmental report necessary before the rail line may be discontinued 
and abandoned. See Longhorn, supra.
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-501(Sub-No. 1X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, Office of the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Donald T. Cheatham, 10220-E 
Metropolitan Drive, Austin, TX 78758.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment and 
discontinuance procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public 
Services at (202) 565-1592 or refer to the full abandonment or 
discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning 
environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Section of 
Environmental Analysis (SEA) at (202) 565-1545. [TDD for the hearing 
impaired is available at (202) 565-1695.]
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement 
(EIS), if necessary), prepared by SEA will be served upon all parties 
of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during 
its preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a 
copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs normally will be made available within 60 
days of the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of 
comments on the EA will generally be within 30 days of its service.

    Decided: May 30, 1997.
    By the Board, Vernon A. Williams, Secretary.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-14731 Filed 6-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P