[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 107 (Friday, June 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35419-35420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13856]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 153X)]


Union Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Monroe 
County, IA

    On May 15, 2000, 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. 10903-10905 to 
abandon a line of railroad known as the Oskaloosa Subdivision, 
extending between milepost 312.1 near Eddyville and milepost 322.9 near 
Maxon, a distance of 10.8 miles in Monroe County, IA. The line 
traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 52531 and 52553, and includes 
the non-agency stations of Bridgeport (milepost 313) and Maxon 
(milepost 322.9).

[[Page 35420]]

    In addition to an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10903, petitioner seeks 
exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10904 (offer of financial assistance 
procedures) and 49 U.S.C. 10905 (public use conditions). In support, UP 
contends that exemption from these provisions is necessary to permit 
its conveyance to the sole shipper on the line, Cargill, Inc. 
(Cargill), of a segment of the line between mileposts 312.1 and 315 for 
construction of a plant switching facility. The switching operation is 
necessary for construction by Cargill of a private rail line that will 
run south from the plant to The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe 
Railway Company's main line. UP also requests expedited consideration 
of the exemption petition, including effectiveness of the exemption on 
service of the final decision. UP avers that expedited action is 
necessary here because Cargill urgently needs the right-of-way. These 
requests will be addressed in the final decision.
    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 September 1, 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 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 June 22, 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-33 (Sub-No. 153X) 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) James P. Gatlin, 1416 Dodge Street, 
Room 830, Omaha, NE 68179-0830. Replies to the UP petition are due on 
or before June 22, 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. 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: May 25, 2000.

By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-13856 Filed 6-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P