[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 65 (Friday, April 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 19054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07015]


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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

[Docket No. FD 36393]


Raritan Central Railway, LLC--Lease and Operation Exemption--
Consolidated Rail Corporation

    Raritan Central Railway, LLC (RCRY), a Class III railroad, has 
filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.41 to lease from 
Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) and operate approximately 7.08 
miles of rail lines in Middlesex County, N.J. (the Line), consisting of 
the following: (1) The Bonhamton Industrial Track, from the switch 
connection for the east and west legs of the Northeast Corridor wye, 
including the at-grade crossing of High Street, to its connection with 
the Raritan Industrial Track; (2) the Miracle Run Branch, from its 
connection with the Bonhamton Industrial Track to the end of Conrail's 
ownership in the vicinity of Vineyard Road; (3) the Raritan Industrial 
Track, from its connection with the Bonhamton Industrial Track to the 
east side of Crows Mill Road, including the at-grade crossing thereof; 
and (4) the Raritan Center Industrial Track, from its connection with 
the Raritan Industrial Track to a point 579 feet beyond the point of 
switch towards Heller Park, and to a point 150 feet beyond the 
clearance point of said switch towards the out of service track for 
headroom only.\1\ RCRY states that the Line does not have mileposts 
because it runs through and in the vicinity of two industrial parks, 
the Raritan Center Industrial Park and the Heller Industrial Park.
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    \1\ According to RCRY, the lease also includes the runaround 
track and all tracks comprising Upper Yard that are related to the 
Raritan Industrial Track, and Track Nos. 1-10 of Metuchen Yard and 
the Metuchen Yard Lead. RCRY states that these tracks are excepted 
under 49 U.S.C. 10906.
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    The verified notice states that RCRY entered into a lease with 
Conrail dated March 17, 2020, to provide common carrier rail service 
over the Line. The verified notice further states that RCRY will 
operate the Line after the transaction, although Conrail, the current 
operator of the Line, has reserved rights to operate over portions of 
the Line.
    RCRY certifies that the lease does not impose or include an 
interchange commitment.
    RCRY further certifies that its projected annual revenues as a 
result of the proposed transaction will not result in the creation of a 
Class II or Class I rail carrier and will not exceed $5 million.
    The earliest this transaction may be consummated is April 17, 2020 
(30 days after the verified notice of exemption was filed). If the 
verified notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption 
is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 
10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke 
will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. 
Petitions for stay must be filed no later than April 10, 2020 (at least 
seven days before the exemption becomes effective).
    All pleadings, referring to Docket No. FD 36393, must be filed with 
the Surface Transportation Board either via e-filing or in writing 
addressed to 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, a 
copy of each pleading must be served on RCRY's representative: Eric M. 
Hocky, Clark Hill PLC, Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 
2620, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
    According to RCRY, this action is categorically excluded from 
environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.7(e) and from historic 
preservation reporting requirements under 49 CFR 1105.8(b).
    Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.

    Decided: March 30, 2020.

    By the Board, Allison C. Davis, Director, Office of Proceedings.
Regena Smith-Bernard,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2020-07015 Filed 4-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P