[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 234 (Monday, December 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 76066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30769]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[Docket No. AB 55 (Sub-No. 746X)]


CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Grant County, 
W. Va.

    On November 17, 2015, CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), 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 
an approximately 0.66-mile rail line between milepost BUA 15.72 and 
milepost BUA 16.38, the end of the line, on the Mt. Storm Railroad 
Track, in Grant County, W.Va. (the Line). The Line includes the station 
of OPSL 56150 (FSAC 76373), which will remain open, and traverses 
United States Postal Service Zip Code 26739.
    According to CSXT, the Western Maryland Railway Company, a 
predecessor to CSXT, leased approximately 16.38 miles of track and land 
(between mileposts BUA 0.0 and 16.38), from the predecessor of the 
Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO), the only shipper on the 
Line, in order to serve VEPCO's Mt. Storm Power Station. CSXT states 
that, even though it does not own the Line, it is the only common 
carrier operating over the Line, and it is seeking to abandon the Line 
in order to terminate its common carrier obligation.
    Further, CSXT states that VEPCO operates over the industry track 
east of milepost BUA 16.38. In addition, CSXT and VEPCO have agreed to 
amend their lease agreement, excluding the final 0.66 miles of the Line 
from the lease in order for VEPCO to construct and operate a new coal 
yard and rapid coal dumper. CSXT states that, upon a grant of 
abandonment authority, CSXT will reclassify the Line as yard track for 
VEPCO's use, and the land and track will be returned to VEPCO. Finally, 
CSXT states that it will not salvage the Line.\1\
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    \1\ CSXT states it will continue to provide service to VEPCO 
beginning at milepost BUA 15.72.
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    According to CSXT, the Line does not contain federally granted 
rights-of-way. Any documentation in CSXT'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 Railroad--Abandonment Portion 
Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, In Bingham & Bonneville Counties, 
Idaho, 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 March 4, 2016.
    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 $1,600 
filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
    All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment, 
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 
December 24, 2015. Each trail request must be accompanied by a $300 
filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to Docket No. AB 
55 (Sub-No. 746X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Louis E. 
Gitomer, 600 Baltimore Ave., Suite 301, Towson, MD 21204. Replies to 
the petition are due on or before December 24, 2015.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Assistance, 
Governmental Affairs and Compliance at (202) 245-0238 or refer to the 
full abandonment regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning 
environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Office of 
Environmental Analysis (OEA) at (202) 245-0305. Assistance for the 
hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay 
Service at 1-800-877-8339.
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement 
(EIS), if necessary) prepared by OEA will be served upon all parties of 
record and upon any other agencies or persons who comment during its 
preparation. Other interested persons may contact OEA to obtain a copy 
of the EA (or EIS). EAs in 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 generally will be within 
30 days of its service.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at 
WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.

    Decided: December 1, 2015.

    By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Kenyatta Clay,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2015-30769 Filed 12-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4915-01-P