[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 150 (Monday, August 7, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Page 36848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16654]


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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

[Docket No. AB 55 (Sub-No. 773X)]


CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Harlan 
County, KY

    On July 18, 2017, 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 1.6-mile rail line on CSXT's Northern Region, Huntington 
Division, CV Subdivision, Engineering Appalachian Division, also known 
as the Merna Spur, between milepost OMV 250.1 at the end of the line 
and milepost OMV 248.5 at the wye connecting to the CSXT Glidden Siding 
in Harlan County, KY (the Line).\1\ The Line traverses United States 
Postal Zip Code 40818, and includes the Creech Station (FSAC 43739/OPSL 
20395) at milepost OMV 250.
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    \1\ According to CSXT, the Line was previously part of the 
Southern Region but, through a reorganization, it is now a part of 
the Northern Region. CSXT was authorized to discontinue service over 
the Line in 2016. CSX Transp.--Discontinuance of Serv. Exemption--in 
Harlan Cty., Ky., AB 55 (Sub-No. 753X) (STB served Feb. 18, 2016).
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    CSXT states that 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 November 3, 2017.
    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 $1,800 
filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).\2\
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    \2\ The OFA filing fee is currently set at $1,700. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(25). Effective September 1, 2017, the fee will become 
$1,800. See Regulations Governing Fees for Servs. Performed in 
Connection with Licensing & Related Servs.--2017 Update, EP 542 
(Sub-No. 25), slip op. app. C at 20 (STB served July 28, 2017).
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    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 
August 28, 2017. 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. 773X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Louis E. 
Gitomer, Law Offices of Louis E. Gitomer, 600 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 
301, Towson, MD 21204. Replies to the petition are due on or before 
August 28, 2017.
    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.GOV.

    Decided: August 2, 2017.

    By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2017-16654 Filed 8-4-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P