[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23898-23899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10776]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-462 (Sub-No. 2X)]


Southeastern International Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in 
Wharton County, TX

    On April 14, 1999, Southeastern International Corporation (SEI) 
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 its entire 11.76-mile line of railroad extending from milepost 
42.24 in Wharton to milepost 54.0 near Lane City, in Wharton County, 
TX. The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 77488 and 77453, 
and includes no stations.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in SEI's possession will be made available promptly to 
those requesting it.
    In this proceeding, SEI is proposing to abandon a line that 
constitutes its entire rail system. When issuing abandonment authority 
for a railroad line that constitutes the carrier's entire system, the 
Board does not impose labor protection, except in specifically 
enumerated circumstances. See Northampton and Bath R. Co.--Abandonment, 
354 I.C.C. 784, 785-86 (1978) (Northampton). Therefore, if the Board 
grants the petition for exemption, in the absence of a showing that one 
or more of the exceptions articulated in Northampton are present, no 
labor protective conditions would be imposed.
    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 August 2, 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 the filing 
fee, which currently is set at $1,000. 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

[[Page 23899]]

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 May 24, 
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-462 (Sub-No. 2X) 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) Karl Morell, 1455 F Street, NW, 
Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Replies to the SEI petition are due on 
or before May 24, 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: April 22, 1999.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-10776 Filed 5-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P