[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 99 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 28046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12860]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-603 (Sub-No. 1X)]


V and S Railway, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Barber County, 
KS

    On May 2, 2003, V and S Railway, Inc. (VSR), 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 20-mile 
line of railroad extending from milepost 21.0, at Medicine Lodge, to 
the end of the line at milepost 41.0, at Sun City, in Barber County, 
KS. The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 67071, 
67104, and 67143.
    The line does not contain Federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in VSR'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 issuing 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 20, 2003.
    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 a $1,100 
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 11, 2003. 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-603 (Sub-No. 1X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington DC 20423-0001; and (2) Karl 
Morell, Of Counsel, Ball Janik LLP, 1455 F Street, NW., Suite 225, 
Washington DC 20005. Replies to the petition are due on or before June 
11, 2003.
    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 and 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) 565-1552. (Assistance for the hearing impaired is 
available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-
800-877-8339.)
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or an 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 after 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 Web site at http://www.stb.dot.gov.

    Decided: May 16, 2003.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-12860 Filed 5-21-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P