[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 219 (Friday, November 13, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 63524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30434]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 567X)]


CSX Transportation, Inc.; Abandonment Exemption; in Allegheny 
County, PA

    On October 26 1998, CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), 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 Lower Allegheny Branch extending from milepost 
0.00 to milepost 0.85 in Pittsburgh, together with a 0.15-mile line 
segment of connecting track that joins the Lower Allegheny Branch to a 
nearby line of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail),1 
a total distance of 1.00 mile in Allegheny County, PA. The line 
traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Code 15233 and includes no stations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Lower Allegheny Branch is accessed over trackage rights 
from Conrail's Etna Yard in Pittsburgh and Conrail's Preble Avenue 
Industrial Track via the 0.15-mile connecting track owned by CSXT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The line does not contain any 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 the 
conditions specified in 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 February 12, 1999.
    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 a $1,000 
filing fee. 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 December 3, 1998. 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-55 (Sub-No. 567X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, Office of the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Charles M. Rosenberger, 500 Water 
Street--J150, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Replies to the CSXT petition are 
due on or before December 3, 1998.
    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. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy 
of the EA (or EIS). EAs in these abandonment proceedings 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.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our website at 
``WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.''

    Decided: November 6, 1998.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-30434 Filed 11-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P