[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 29, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 71670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34445]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 130X)]


Union Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in 
Pocahontas, Buena Vista and Clay Counties, IA (Royal Branch)

    On December 9, 1998, Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) 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 
25.25 miles of a line of railroad known as the Royal Branch, extending 
between milepost 477.10 near Laurens to the end of the line at milepost 
502.35 near Royal, in Pocahontas, Buena Vista and Clay Counties, IA. 
The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 50554 (near Laurens) 
and 51357 (Rossie and Royal) and includes the non-agency rail stations 
of Rossie at milepost 495.70 and Royal at milepost 501.80.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in UP'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. 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 March 29, 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 offer 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 January 19, 1999. 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-33 (Sub-No. 130X) 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) Joseph D. Anthofer, Union Pacific 
Railroad Company, 1416 Dodge Street, Room 830, Omaha, NE 68179-0830. 
Replies to the UP petition are due on or before January 19, 1999.
    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: December 21, 1998.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-34445 Filed 12-28-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P