[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 159 (Monday, August 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 44031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21823]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-497 (Sub-No. 1X)]


Minnesota Northern Railroad, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Red 
Lake and Polk Counties, MN

    On July 29, 1997, Minnesota Northern Railroad, Inc. (MNN), filed 
with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) a petition under 49 
U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to 
abandon a line of railroad known as the Red Lake Falls-Strata Line, 
extending from railroad milepost 59.00 near Strata, MN, to railroad 
milepost 69.14 near Red Lake Falls, MN, which traverses U.S. Postal 
Service ZIP Code 56750, a distance of 10.14 miles, in Red Lake and Polk 
Counties, MN. The line includes the station of Red Lake Falls at 
railroad milepost 69.14.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in the railroad's possession will be made available 
promptly to those requesting it.
    The interest of railroad employees will be protected by Oregon 
Short Line R. Co.--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). A final decision will be 
issued by November 14, 1997.
    Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) 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 OFA must be accompanied by the filing 
fee, which currently is set at $900. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
    All interested persons should be aware that, following 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 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 
49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than September 8, 1997. Each trail 
use request must be accompanied by a $150 filing fee. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-497 (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) Gary Laakso, Minnesota Northern 
Railroad, Inc., 301 Yamato Road, Suite 1190, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
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. Any other persons who would like to obtain a copy of the 
EA (or EIS) may contact SEA. EAs in these abandonment proceedings 
normally will be 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: August 7, 1997.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-21823 Filed 8-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P