[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 161 (Monday, August 20, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 43609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20917]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-344 (Sub-No. 1X)]


Chicago Southshore & South Bend Railroad--Abandonment Exemption--
in LaPorte County, IN

    On July 31, 2001, Chicago Southshore & South Bend Railroad (CSS) 
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 \1\ extending from a connection at the east 
end of CSS's Lincoln Yard, near Second Street, to the end of the line 
at the facility of the Pioneer Lumber Company, a distance of less than 
one-half mile (approximately 2,400 feet), in LaPorte County, IN. The 
line traverses U.S. Postal Service ZIP Code 46360 and includes no 
stations.
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    \1\ In its petition, CSS describes the line as an industrial 
lead track. CSS states that it is aware that the abandonment of 
industrial track is excepted from regulation by the Board pursuant 
to 49 U.S.C. 10906. It further states, however, that because the 
industrial track may previously have been a part of another 
carrier's main line, it is seeking this exemption out of an 
abundance of caution.
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    Based on information in its possession, CSS states that the line 
does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in 
CSS's possession will be made available promptly to those requesting 
it.
    The interest of railroad employees will be protected by 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 November 16, 2001.
    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 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 September 10, 2001. 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-344 (Sub-No. 1X) 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) Troy W. Garris, 1300 Nineteenth 
Street, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-1609. Replies to the CSS 
petition are due on or before September 10, 2001.
    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: August 14, 2001.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-20917 Filed 8-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P