[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 39 (Monday, February 28, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10594-10595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4499]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-32 (Sub-No. 88X)]


Boston and Maine Corporation--Abandonment and Discontinuance of 
Service--Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties, NH

    On February 8, 2000, the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) 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 and to discontinue service over a 2.95-mile line of railroad in 
Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties, NH, known as the Manchester and 
Lawrence Branch. Extending from milepost 4.65 to milepost 7.60 in 
Salem, NH, the line traverses U.S. Postal Service ZIP Code 03079 and 
includes the station of Salem, NH.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in B&M'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 May 26, 2000.
    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 is currently 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 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 March 20, 2000. 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-32 (Sub-No. 88X) 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) Robert B. Culliford, Esq., Law 
Department, Iron Horse Park, North Billerica, MA 01862. Replies to the 
B&M petition are due on or before March 20, 2000.
    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 1-800-
877-8339.]
    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 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: February 16, 2000.


[[Page 10595]]


    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-4499 Filed 2-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P