[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 157 (Thursday, August 14, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43578-43579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21553]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 113)]


Union Pacific Railroad Company--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights 
and Abandonment--In Natrona and Converse Counties, WY

    On July 25, 1997, Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) filed with 
the Surface Transportation Board, Washington, DC 20423, an application 
for permission for the abandonment of and discontinuance of service on 
a line of railroad known as the Casper Branch extending from railroad 
milepost 590.0 to the end of the line at milepost 607.8, near Casper 
(Air Base), a distance of 17.8 miles, in Natrona County, WY, and for 
discontinuance of UP's trackage rights over The Burlington Northern and 
Santa Fe Railway Company trackage from UP milepost 532.5 near Orin to 
UP milepost 600.0 near Casper, a distance of 67.5 miles in Natrona and 
Converse Counties, Wyoming. The line includes the non-agency stations 
of Strouds at milepost 595.0, Casper at milepost 599.7, and Air Base at 
milepost 607.5 and traverses through United States Postal Service ZIP 
Codes 82601-82609 and 82633.
    The line does contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in the railroad's possession will be made available 
promptly to those requesting it. The applicant's entire case for 
abandonment and discontinuance was filed with the application.
    This line of railroad has appeared on the applicant's system 
diagram map or has been included in its narrative in category 1 since 
August 1, 1992.
    The interest of railroad employees will be protected by the 
conditions in Oregon Short Line R. Co.--Abandonment--Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 
91 (1979).
    Any interested person may file with the Surface Transportation 
Board written comments concerning the proposed abandonment and 
discontinuance or protests (including the protestant's entire 
opposition case), by September 8, 1997. All interested persons should 
be aware that following any abandonment of rail service and salvage of 
the line, the line may be suitable for other public use, including 
interim trail use. Any request for a public use condition under 49 
U.S.C. 10905 (Sec. 1152.28 of the Board's rules) and any request for a 
trail use condition under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) (Sec. 1152.29 of the 
Board's rules) must be filed by September 8, 1997. Persons who may

[[Page 43579]]

oppose the abandonment or discontinuance but who do not wish to 
participate fully in the process by appearing at any oral hearings or 
by submitting verified statements of witnesses containing detailed 
evidence should file comments. Persons interested only in seeking 
public use or trail use conditions should also file comments. Persons 
opposing the proposed abandonment or discontinuance that do wish to 
participate actively and fully in the process should file a protest.
    In addition, a commenting party or protestant may provide:
    (i) An offer of financial assistance, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10904 
(due 120 days after the application is filed or 10 days after the 
application is granted by the Board, whichever occurs sooner);
    (ii) Recommended provisions for protection of the interests of 
employees;
    (iii) A request for a public use condition under 49 U.S.C. 10905; 
and
    (iv) A statement pertaining to prospective use of the right-of-way 
for interim trail use and rail banking under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) and 
Sec. 1152.29.
    Parties seeking information concerning the filing of protests 
should refer to Sec. 1152.25.
    Written comments and protests, including all requests for public 
use and trail use conditions, must indicate the proceeding designation 
STB No. AB-33 (Sub-No.113) and should be filed with the Secretary, 
Surface Transportation Board, Washington, DC 20423, no later than 
September 8, 1997. Interested persons may file a written comment or 
protest with the Board to become a party to this proceeding. A copy of 
each written comment or protest shall be served upon the representative 
of the applicant, Joseph D. Anthofer, General Attorney, 1416 Dodge 
Street, Omaha, NE 68179, Tel: (402) 271-4315. The original and 10 
copies of all comments or protests shall be filed with the Board with a 
certificate of service. Except as otherwise set forth in part 1152, 
every document filed with the Board must be served on all parties to 
the proceeding. 49 CFR 1104.12(a).
    The line sought to be abandoned/discontinued will be available for 
subsidy or sale for continued rail use, if the Board decides to permit 
the abandonment/discontinuance, in accordance with applicable laws and 
regulations (49 U.S.C. 10904 and 49 CFR 1152.27). No subsidy 
arrangement approved under 49 U.S.C. 10904 shall remain in effect for 
more than 1 year unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties (49 
U.S.C. 10904(f)(4)(B)). Applicant will promptly provide upon request to 
each interested party an estimate of the subsidy and minimum purchase 
price required to keep the line in operation. The carrier's 
representative to whom inquiries may be made concerning sale or subsidy 
terms is set forth above.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
procedures may contact the Surface Transportation Board 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.
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement 
(EIS), if necessary) prepared by the Section of Environmental Analysis 
will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or 
other persons who commented during its preparation. Any other persons 
who would like to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS) may contact the 
Section of Environmental Analysis. EAs in abandonment proceedings 
normally will be made available within 33 days of the filing of the 
application. The deadline for submission of comments on the EA will 
generally be within 30 days of its service. The comments received will 
be addressed in the Board's decision. A supplemental EA or EIS may be 
issued where appropriate.

    Decided: August 8, 1997.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-21553 Filed 8-13-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P