1994 Rail Abandonment and Service Discontinuances =========================================================================== This compilation includes Rail Abandonment and Service Discontinuance notices published by The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) during 1994. The notices are arranged by railroad. These notices were compiled by Paul Moore (71367.1057@compuserve.com). This compilation is copyrighted by the author, but may be distributed freely as long as it is not altered, edited or incorporated into another work. ======================================================================= INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-316 (Sub-No. 1X)] Angelina & Neches River Railroad Company--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--Angelina County, TX Angelina & Neches River Railroad Company (ANR) has filed a verified notice under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuance of Trackage Rights to discontinue trackage rights over the 2.79-mile Rockland Branch owned by Southern Pacific Transportation Company (SP) between milepost 129.33, near Buck Creek, and milepost 132.12, near Dunagan, in Angelina County, TX. SP has filed a petition for exemption to abandon the Rockland Branch in Docket No. AB-12 (Sub-No. 153X). This exemption will be effective November 12, 1994, unless stayed or a statement of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: October 5, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-392X] Arkansas Midland Railroad Company, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption-- in Pulaski, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties, AR ACTION: Notice of Exemption. SUMMARY: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10505, the Commission exempts Arkansas Midland Railroad Company, Inc. (AMRR), from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 to permit AMRR to abandon a portion of its Carlisle Branch between MP 123.80, near Galloway, AR, and MP 102.28, at Carlisle, AR, a distance of approximately 21.52 miles. The exemption will be subject to salvage and standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 29, 1994. Decided: August 16, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION Docket No. AB-52 (Sub-No. 75X)] (See Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority-- Abandonment Exemption--Between Arcadia and Los Angeles, CA, et al) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-52 (Sub-No. 76X)] Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Co.--Abandonment Exemption--in Harper County, KS The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company (SF) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.84-mile line of railroad on its H&S Subdivision from milepost 258+2,120 feet to milepost 256+2,993 feet at or near Harper, in Harper County, KS. Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 28, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-52 (Sub-No. 77X)] The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company--Discontinuance of Service Exemption--In San Bernardino County, CA The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company (Santa Fe) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue rail service over 1.96 miles of rail line in Santa Fe's Redlands Subdivision, extending from milepost 11.40 to milepost 13.14, in San Bernardino County, CA. Santa Fe will be discontinuing its service on this former Santa Fe line, which was found to be owned by San Bernardino Associated Governments (with Santa Fe retaining a freight service easement) in Orange County Transp.--Exempt.--Atchinson, T. & S.F. Ry. Co., 10 I.C.C.2d 78 (1994) (Orange County). Santa Fe suggests that the Commission's finding in Orange County regarding ownership of the line was incorrect and asks that, if that decision is modified, this exemption be considered to constitute authority for Santa Fe to abandon the line as of the date of such modification. If such modification to Orange County were to occur, this notice would be reopened for appropriate action. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 6, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 30, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-52 (Sub-No. 79X)] The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Co.-- Abandonment Exemption--in Atchison County, KS The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company (Santa Fe) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 4.6-mile segment of its Atchison Subdivision between milepost 2.00 at or near Parnell and milepost 6.60 at or near Atchison, in Atchison County, KS. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 24, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 18, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-410 (Sub-No. 1X)] Austin Railroad Co., Inc., Discontinuance of Service Exemption-- in Burnet and Llano Counties, TX Austin Railroad Co., Inc., d/b/a Austin & Northwestern Railroad (AUNW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F-- Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances to discontinue service over 26.4 miles of railroad from milepost 127.7 at Scobee to milepost 154.1 at the end of the track at Llano, in Burnet and Llano Counties, TX. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 29, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-88 (Sub-No. 6)] Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company--Abandonment and Discontinuance of Trackage Rights in Erie County, PA The Commission has issued a certificate authorizing Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company (B&LE) to abandon a 0.95-mile line of railroad between milepost 21.34 (B&LE sta -9+76.5) and milepost 22.29 (B&LE sta 40+35) and to discontinue trackage rights over 12.2 miles of rail line owned by Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company between B&LE sta 5580+66.9 and B&LE sta -9+76.5, in Erie County, PA. The abandonment and discontinuance certificate will become effective December 14, 1994, unless the Commission finds that (1) a financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate B&LE. Decided: October 21, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-32 (Sub-No. 56X)] Boston and Maine Corp.--Discontinuance of Service Exemption--in Middlesex County, MA Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152, subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances to discontinue service over a 0.93-mile line of railroad on the Stoneham Branch line, owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), extending between milepost 0.00 and milepost 0.93 in Stoneham, Middlesex County, MA. The property at issue is owned by the MBTA, and will continue to be owned by the MBTA after consummation of the proposed discontinuance of service. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 12, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket Nos. AB-32 and AB-355 (Sub-Nos. 58X and 10X)] Boston and Maine Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--New Haven County, CT; Springfield Terminal Railway Company--Discontinuance of Service Exemption--New Haven County, CT Boston and Maine Corporation (BM), and Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST) filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances for BM to abandon and ST to discontinue service over a 0.88 mile segment of BM's rail known as the Waterbury Industrial Track, between milepost 0.98 and milepost 1.86, in Waterbury, New Haven County, CT. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 23, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-32 (Sub-No. 59X)] Boston and Maine Corporation; Abandonment Exemption--Middlesex County, MA [Docket No. AB-355 (Sub-No. 11X)] Springfield Terminal Railway Company--Discontinuance of Service Exemption; Middlesex County, MA Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) and Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST) filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances to abandon and discontinue service over a segment of B&M's rail line known as the Lowell Secondary Track, between milepost 24.27 and milepost 25.01, a distance of approximately 0.74 miles, in Lowell, Middlesex County, MA. B&M seeks authority to abandon the line, and ST, which leases the line from B&M, seeks authority to discontinue service over the line. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 18, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket Nos. AB-32 and AB-355 (Sub-Nos. 61X and 13X)] Boston and Maine Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--New Haven County, CT; Springfield Terminal Railway Company--Discontinuance of Service Exemption--New Haven County, CT Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) and Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST) filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F-- Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances to abandon and discontinue service over a segment of B&M's Dublin Street Track line of railroad between milepost 17.29 and milepost 19.86, a distance of approximately 2.57 miles, in Waterbury, New Haven County, CT. B&M seeks authority to abandon the line, and ST, which leases the line from B&M, seeks authority to discontinue service over the line. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 27, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-32 (Sub-No. 66X)] Boston and Maine Corp.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Middlesex County, MA Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue trackage rights over approximately 1.90 miles of railroad owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on its ``Central Massachusetts Branch'' line, extending between milepost 8.30 and milepost 10.20, in Waltham, Middlesex County, MA. Decided: February 15, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-32 (Sub-No. 67X)] Boston and Maine Corporation--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--Hampden County, MA Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue trackage rights over approximately 0.52 miles of rail line owned by Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) between milepost 98.02 and milepost 98.54, in Springfield, Hampden County, MA. Conrail will continue to provide rail service on the line. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: April 22, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 357X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption in King County, WA ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Burlington Northern Railroad Company (BN) of a 3.57-mile rail line between Interbay and Terry Avenue in Seattle, WA [BN Engineering Station (ES) 267+00 to ES 143+48 and ES 118+28.7-6+60.3 to ES 34+55.2]. The Commission issues a notice of interim trail use for the line and also makes the exemption subject to standard employee protective conditions and a condition that BN consult with the State of Washington Department of Ecology and the Seattle District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to initiating any salvage activities. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 6, 1994. Decided: January 27, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub 358X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption; in Sedgwick, Harvey, and Reno Counties, KS ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission, under 49 U.S.C. 10505, exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Burlington Northern Railroad Company (BN) of a 36.10-mile rail line between milepost 515.23, near Valley Center, and milepost 551.34, near Medora, in Sedgwick, Harvey, and Reno Counties, KS. The line includes the stations of Patterson at milepost 531.8, Burrton at milepost 537.9, and Buhler at milepost 547.2. The Commission issues a notice of interim trail use for the line and also makes the exemption subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 21, 1994. Decided: March 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 359X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Co.--Abandonment Exemption--In Mobile County, AL ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10505, the Commission exempts Burlington Northern Railroad Company (BN) from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 to permit BN to abandon its car barge service between Mobile and Blakely Island, AL, and the Blakely Island track between engineering station (ES) 0.00N to ES 58 + 98N and ES 0 + 00S to ES 103 + 53S, a total of 3.08 miles. The exemption will be subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on May 13, 1994. Decided: April 1, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 360X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Buffalo County, NE ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Burlington Northern Railroad Company of 3.86 miles of rail line extending between milepost 20.53 and milepost 24.39 near Kearney in Buffalo County, NE, subject to standard labor protective conditions and a public use condition. Interim trail use has been approved. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 16, 1994. Decided: June 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 361X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Bureau County, IL Burlington Northern Railroad Company (BN) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 5.09 miles of rail line between milepost 193.36 near Ladd and milepost 188.27 near Howe in Bureau County, IL. Although BN stated it was abandoning 5.13 miles of rail line, the actual mileage between mileposts is 5.09 miles. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on August 5, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: June 27, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 363X)] Burlington Northern Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Washington County, OR ACTION: Notice of Exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Burlington Northern Railroad Company of 5.01 miles of railroad line between Merle (milepost 21.09) and the General Motors Spur near Murray Boulevard in Beaverton (milepost 26.10), in Washington County, OR, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an historic preservation condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 22, 1994. Decided: November 23, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-240 (Sub-No. 4X)] Cambria and Indiana Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption; Cambria County, PA Cambria and Indiana Railroad Company (C&I) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon: (1) A 4.20-mile segment of its Main Line between milepost 2.099 at Clover and milepost 6.299 at Holman in Cambria, Barr, and Blacklick Townships, Cambria County, PA; and (2) a 13.129-mile segment of its Cambria Branch between milepost 0.00 at its intersection with the Main Line at Main Line station 5.453 and milepost 13.129 in Nanty- Glo and Revloc Boroughs, and Cambria and Blacklick Townships, in Cambria County, PA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 23, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 15, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-213 (Sub 4)] Canadian Pacific Limited--Abandonment--Line Between Skinner and Vanceboro, ME The Commission's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) hereby notifies all interested parties that SEA will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and conduct scoping meetings in this proceeding. The Canadian Pacific Limited (CP) filed an application for authority to abandon and discontinue all freight and passenger operations over 201.2 miles of rail line between Skinner and Vanceboro, in Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Aroostook and Washington Counties, Maine. Because of the proposed abandonment's potential for significant environmental impacts, SEA has determined that preparation of a DEIS is necessary. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-213 (Sub-No. 4)] Canadian Pacific Limited--Abandonment--Between Skinner and Vanceboro, Maine ACTION: Notice of final scope of study for environmental impact statement. SUMMARY: This notice announces the final scope of study prepared in response to written comments, as well as oral comments given at public meetings, for the environmental impact statement to be prepared for the above proceeding. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Canadian Pacific Limited has filed an application with the Commission seeking authority to discontinue and abandon all freight and passenger rail operations over 201.2 miles of rail line between Skinner and Vanceboro (The Skinner-Vanceboro Line) in the Maine counties of Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Aroostook, and Washington. The proposed abandonment activities would include the discontinuance of rail service over the entire line; the diversion of traffic to motor carriers or other railroads; and the salvage of all rails, ties, railroad-related appurtenances, and standing structures. We believe that if the Commission approves the abandonment, this action would constitute a major Federal action having the potential to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, we will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). A notice of intent to prepare an EIS and to hold public scoping meetings for this proceeding was published on February 22, 1994. The notice requested comments in writing or orally at public scoping meetings that were held in Woodland, Maine and Bangor, Maine on March 15 and March 16, 1994, respectively. Over 50 parties provided comment and/or attended the scoping meetings. In accordance with the Commission's environmental rules at 49 CFR 1105, the final scope of study is summarized below. SUMMARY OF THE SCOPE OF STUDY: Abandonment and salvage activities may significantly affect the environment in the project area. Based on the comments and our initial evaluation, the proposed abandonment may result in a number of environmental impacts. These impacts include: Land Use Impacts Transportation Impacts Energy Impacts Air Quality Impacts Noise Impacts Impacts to Public Health and Safety Impacts to Biological Resources Impacts to Water Resources Socioeconomic Impacts from Physical Environmental Changes Impacts to Historic and Cultural Resources Impacts to Recreational Resources We want to make it clear here that the EIS will only analyze the environmental effects that relate to this abandonment proposal. The environmental review process is not the proper forum for analyzing the ``need'' for or the economic merits of a proposed project. It is through the development of a separate evidentiary record that addresses the merits of the proposed abandonment that the Commission considers issues of economic impact and the impacts to rural and community development as required by 49 U.S.C. 10903 (a) (2). Scope of Environmental Impact Statement; Docket No. AB-213 (Sub-No. 4); Canadian Pacific Limited--Abandonment--Between--Skinner and Vanceboro, Maine; Executive Summary; Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives Description of Existing Environment Specific description including existing land use, transportation, physiography and soil, water resources, biological resources, air quality, noise, socioeconomic setting, historic and cultural resources, and recreational resources in the project area. Environmental Analysis of Proposed Action and Alternatives A. Land Use Impacts 1. Analysis of impacts from increased land development following abandonment of the right-of-way (ROW). 2. Evaluation of the change in existing land use of the ROW, railroad yards, and stations. 3. Assessment of disturbances to adjacent properties during salvage activities. 4. Concerns regarding unauthorized recreational vehicle use along the abandoned ROW. 5. Need for disposal requirements for salvaging debris. 6. Possibility of unauthorized waste and debris disposal along the ROW. 7. Native American concerns regarding impacts to land use activities of the Indian Township and Pleasant Point reservations of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island. B. Transportation and Safety Impacts 1. Assessment of the transportation and safety impacts associated with the loss of rail service to existing shippers. 2. Assessment of rail and motor carrier transportation alternatives and anticipated impact of rerouted traffic on alternative rail lines and/or roadways. 3. Evaluation of the impact of rerouted passenger traffic. 4. Evaluation of the impact of loss of this rail service on transportation safety, including the occurrence of accidents and release of hazardous materials. C. Energy Impacts 1. Assessment of impacts on transportation of any energy resources. 2. Anticipated impacts on any recyclable commodities. 3. Impact on overall energy consumption and efficiency that would result from increased use of trucks. D. Water Resource Impacts 1. Possible water quality impacts from erosion and sedimentation that would be associated with building and bridge removal and other salvage activities. 2. Analysis of the disturbance of soil and vegetation in water bodies, floodplains, and/or wetlands that could result during bridge removal and other salvage activities. 3. Evaluation of the need for continued culvert maintenance to minimize flooding and water quality impacts from beaver and ice dams. 4. Anticipated impacts from the possible failure or collapse of bridge abutments. 5. Possible water quality degradation in recreational lakes that could result from lakeside land development. 6. Water quality degradation that could result from accidental releases of hazardous materials in motor carrier transportation. 7. Impacts from contaminated soil resulting from prior leaks, derailments, and fueling that occurred along the ROW and possible need for soil and groundwater sampling. E. Impacts on Biological Resources 1. Assessment of the impact of salvage activities on any threatened and endangered species in the vicinity of the ROW. 2. Discussion of concerns regarding disturbance of vegetation in adjacent wetlands and floodplains during bridge removal and other salvage activities. 3. Evaluation of the impact of erosion and sedimentation during building and bridge removal and other salvage activities on aquatic wildlife and habitat. 4. Analysis of changes in beaver populations and activities along the ROW. 5. Concerns regarding the impact of increased traffic on wildlife along Route 9 and at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. 6. Possibility of the need for continued culvert maintenance to minimize wetland impacts from changes in hydrologic (i.e., water level) conditions. 7. Assessment of the impact to wildlife following abandonment of rail service. 8. Potential impacts to wildlife that could result from the unauthorized uses of abandoned ROW. F. Air Quality Impacts 1. Analysis of the elimination of current locomotive emissions along the ROW following abandonment. 2. Effects of possible increased emissions due to rail line salvage operations. 3. Explanation of increased air pollutant emissions that could result from additional truck traffic, especially in current non- attainment areas. G. Noise Impacts 1. Analysis of the impact from noise that may be generated by salvage equipment and post-abandonment maintenance equipment. 2. Concerns regarding the impact of abandonment on noise quality in the vicinity of road crossings. 3. Impacts from noise that may be generated by increased vehicular traffic on Route 9 and other roads. H. Impacts on Socioeconomics Evaluation of social and economic impacts resulting from changes in the physical environment due to salvage activities or the diversion of traffic. I. Impacts on Historic and Cultural Resources 1. Impacts to structures (buildings and bridges) that may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and archaeological resources. 2. Potential need for a Memorandum of Agreement between the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Interstate Commerce Commission, Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, and Canadian Pacific Limited. 3. Assessment of impact of increased truck traffic on the Calais Historic District. J. Impacts on Recreational Resources 1. Effects of salvage activities and elimination of train noises and intrusions on wildlife and other recreational resources. 2. Effects of abandonment on opportunities for hunting, fishing, and bird watching. 3. Potential for use of the abandoned ROW as a multi-use recreational trail. 4. Assessment of impact of bridge removal on recreational opportunities along the ROW. 5. Impact of possible unauthorized recreational vehicle use and increased human activity on existing wildlife and habitat conditions. Proposed Mitigation 1. Necessary and appropriate mitigation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-213 (Sub-No. 4)] Canadian Pacific Limited--Abandonment--Line Between Skinner And Vanceboro, ME The Commission's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) hereby notifies all interested parties that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in the Canadian Pacific Limited (CP) abandonment between Skinner and Vanceboro, ME is available. The DEIS addresses the environmental impacts associated with the proposed abandonment. The DEIS will be served on all parties to the proceeding on September 12, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-213 (Sub-No. 4)] Canadian Pacific Limited--Abandonment--Line Between Skinner and Vanceboro, ME The Commission's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) hereby notifies all interested parties that the comment due date for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in the Canadian Pacific Limited (CP) abandonment between Skinner and Vanceboro, ME is changed from October 12, 1994 to November 7, 1994 to allow a 45 day comment period. The DEIS addresses the environmental impacts associated with the proposed abandonment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-406 (Sub-No. 1X)] Central Kansas Railway, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Kay and Grant Counties, OK, and Harper County, KS ACTION: Notice of Exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Central Kansas Railway, Inc., of a 48-mile line of railroad in Kay and Grant Counties, OK, and Harper County, KS, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an environmental condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 3, 1994. Decided: May 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-406 (Sub-No. 2X)] Central Kansas Railway, Inc.; Abandonment Exemption; in Barber and Kiowa Counties, KS ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Interstate Commerce Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Central Kansas Railway, Inc., of an 8-mile line of railroad in Barber and Kiowa Counties, KS, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an environmental condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on May 29, 1994. Decided: April 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-406 (Sub-No. 3X)] Central Kansas Railway, Inc.; Abandonment Exemption; in Edwards and Pawnee Counties, KS ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Interstate Commerce Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Central Kansas Railway, Inc., of a 12-mile line of railroad in Edwards and Pawnee Counties, KS, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an environmental condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on May 29, 1994. Decided: April 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-308 (Sub-No. 2X] Central Michigan Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Bay County, MI Central Michigan Railway Company (CMGN)\1\ has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its line of railroad, known as the Brown Hoist/South Water Spur, in Bay City, Bay County, MI. The line consists of two segments, totalling approximately 3.54 miles: (1) the Brown Hoist segment, extending between milepost 0.00 and milepost 1.16, a distance of approximately 1.16 miles, and (2) the South Water Street segment, extending between a connection with the Brown Hoist segment at milepost 0.85 (also known as milepost 6.35) and milepost 3.97, a distance of approximately 2.38 miles. CMGN is affiliated with the Detroit and Mackinac Railway Company, both of which are class III rail carriers. The Detroit and Mackinac Railway Company owns, but does not currently operate, rail lines between Bay City and the northern portions of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 17, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 143X)] Central of Georgia Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Laurens County, GA Central of Georgia Railway Company (Central) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 0.94 mile of rail line between mileposts 36.34-WT and 37.28-WT at Dublin, in Laurens County, GA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 21, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 15, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub-No. 240X)] Chicago and North Western Transportation Company; Abandonment Exemption; In Bellwood, Cook County, IL Chicago and North Western Transportation Company (CNW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152, subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its 0.5 mile of line of railroad between milepost 12.94 and milepost 13.44, in Bellwood, Cook County, IL. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 25, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub-No. 249X)] Chicago and North Western Transportation Company--Abandonment Exemption--Between Norfolk and Merriman, NE ACTION: Notice of Exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Chicago and North Western Transportation Company (CNW) of approximately 248 miles of track between milepost 83.3 near Norfolk and milepost 331.0 near Merriman, NE, subject to standard labor protective and interim trail use conditions. The transaction is also exempted from the public use procedures of 49 U.S.C. 10906. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 17, 1994. Decided: May 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub No. 252X)] Chicago and North Western Transportation Company Abandonment and Discontinuance of Service Exemption in Hennepin County, MN ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903, 10904, and 10906 the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company's abandonment of a 3.65-mile segment of the Cedar Lake line from milepost 16.20 to milepost 19.85 in Hopkin, MN, in Hennepin County, MN, and the discontinuance of service over the remaining 2.5-mile segment of Cedar Lake line, between milepost 13.70 at Cedar Lake in western Minneapolis, MN, and milepost 16.20 at Hopkins, MN, in Hennepin County, MN. Originally CNW sought to abandon the entire Cedar Lake line. By letter filed April 7, 1994, CNW amended its petition for exemption to state that only a discontinuance of service is sought over the 2.5 miles of the Cedar Lake line, between milepost 13.70 and milepost 16.20, as described above, because the Soo Line Railroad Company and the Twin Cities and Western Railroad Company would retain their overhead trackage rights over that line segment. DATES: The exemption will be effective on August 14, 1994, unless a formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance is filed. Decided: July 6, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub-No. 253X)] Chicago and North Western Transportation Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Monroe County, IA Chicago and North Western Transportation Company (CNW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 1.5 miles of rail line between the old Burlington Northern crossing at Maxon (previously designated as old railroad milepost 323.1) and the former Norfolk Southern connection at Albia (previously designated as old railroad milepost 324.6), in Monroe County, IA. Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 22, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: May 12, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub-No. 254X)] Chicago & North Western Transportation Co.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights and Abandonment Exemption--in the City of Omaha, Douglas County, NE ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904, the discontinuance of trackage rights by Chicago and North Western Transportation Company (CNW) over approximately 1.5 miles of Union Pacific Railroad (UP) line from the connection with CNW's grain terminal trackage near the foot of Castelar Street to the Tenth Street overcrossing, and the abandonment of approximately 0.6 miles of associated CNW tracks and appurtenances from the end of the track south of Vinton Street to the UP connection near the foot of Castelar Street, for a total distance of 2.1 miles in Omaha, Douglas County, NE. The exemption is subject to public use, historic preservation, and standard employee protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance is received, this exemption will be effective on May 14, 1994. Decided: April 1, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-1 (Sub-No. 256X)] Chicago and North Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Des Moines, Polk County, IA Chicago and North Western Railway Company (C&NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 1.28 miles of rail line between milepost 216.1 and milepost 217.38 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 15, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1121X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--In Clark County, OH Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 8.1 miles of rail line from approximately milepost 124.5+ in Glen Echo to approximately milepost 132.6 plus-minus in Springfield, Clark County, OH. Grand Trunk Western Railroad (GTW) maintains overhead trackage rights over a portion of the line from milepost 129.1 to milepost 132.6. We interpret this to mean that GTW has no local trackage rights on this portion of the line. In 1993, the Commission held that a railroad that certifies that there has been no local traffic on the line, including that of the railroad with trackage rights, can use the exemption procedures to abandon the line without the holder of trackage rights receiving discontinuance authority subject to certain conditions. Accordingly, because of GTW's existing trackage rights, Conrail may only discontinue service at this time. The effectiveness of this notice as to the abandonment will be contingent upon: (1) GTW obtaining Commission approval or exemption to discontinue its trackage rights; and (2) Conrail informing any party requesting public use or trail use if and when such trackage rights are discontinued. Requests for public use or trail use conditions will not be acted upon until GTW has relinquished its trackage rights. Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 10, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: June 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167; Sub-No. 1125] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment--Between Warsaw and Valparaiso, in Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke, La Porte and Porter Counties, IN The Commission has found that the public convenience and necessity permit Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), to abandon its 61-mile rail line known as the Fort Wayne Line, from milepost 363.0 near Warsaw to milepost 424.0 near Valparaiso, in Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke, La Porte and Porter Counties, IN. A certificate will be issued authorizing abandonment unless within 15 days after publication of this notice the Commission finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable rail service to continue; and (2) it is likely that such assistance would fully compensate Conrail. Decided: December 21, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1127)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment--Between Schneider, IN and Danville, IL in Lake, Newton, Benton, and Warren Counties, IN and Vermilion County, IL The Commission has found that the public convenience and necessity permit Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to abandon its 76.2-mile Danville Secondary line extending from Schneider, IN (milepost 33.0) to Danville, IL (milepost 109.2), in Lake, Newton, Benton, and Warren Counties, IN and Vermilion County, IL, subject to a condition relating to the discontinuance of trackage rights over the line by Soo Line Railroad Company. A certificate will be issued authorizing abandonment unless within 15 days after this publication the Commission also finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: August 19, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1128X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Cook, County, IL Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 3.48 miles of rail line, known as the SC&S Branch, from milepost 5.42 to milepost 8.9, in Calumet City, Cook County, IL. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 20, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: June 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1129X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Chester County, PA Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 6.1 miles of line from approximately milepost 11.4 (the east side of Morehall Road in Cedar Hollow, PA) to approximately milepost 17.5 (approximately 1,500 feet west of Route 100 in Exton, PA), in Chester County, PA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 7, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: March 2, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1133X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Somerset County, PA Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately a 1.5 plus-minus mile line of railroad between milepost 0.0 plus-minus and milepost 1.5 plus-minus, in Windber, in Somerset County, PA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 10, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: January 6, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1134X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--In Crawford County, PA; Notice of Exemption Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its approximately 1.1-mile line of railroad known as the Vallonia Branch from milepost 0.0 to milepost 1.1 in Meadville, Crawford County, PA. This exemption will be effective on February 6, 1994, unless stayed or a formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: December 29, 1993. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1135X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Richland County, OH Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 0.43 miles of railroad between milepost 275.17 plus-minus and milepost 275.60 plus-minus, in Richland County, OH. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 17, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: March 9, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1136X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--Chester County, PA ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: Under 49 U.S.C. 10505, the Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Consolidated Rail Corporation of Chester Valley Running Track, an approximately 1.7-mile rail line in Chester County, PA, between milepost 17.5 plus-minus near Exton, and milepost 19.2 plus-minus, near Ackworth, subject to trail use, public use, and standard labor protection conditions. DATES: The exemption will be effective October 19, 1994 unless stayed or a statement of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: September 8, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1138X)] Consolidated Rail Corp.--Abandonment Exemption--in Lake County, IN Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately a 0.71-mile line of railroad known as the Whiting Industrial Track, from approximately milepost 448.89 plus-minus to approximately milepost 449.60 plus-minus, in East Chicago, Lake County, IN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on May 7, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: March 31, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1139)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment--Between Corry and Meadville, in Erie and Crawford Counties, PA The Commission has issued a certificate authorizing Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to abandon a line of railroad known as the Meadville Line, between milepost 60.5 in Corry, and milepost 102.3 in Meadville, a distance of approximately 41.8 miles, in Erie and Crawford Counties, PA. The abandonment was granted subject to: (1) the condition that Conrail keep intact all of the right-of-way underlying the track, including bridges, trestles, culverts, and tunnels, and retain the line intact and not sell any portion thereof, for a period of 180 days from the effective date of the decision to enable any State or local government agency or other interested person to negotiate the acquisition of the right-of-way for public use; (2) the condition that Conrail retain its interest in and take no steps to alter the historic integrity of the Meadville Line until completion of the section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 470f; and (3) the employee protective conditions in Oregon Short Line R. Co.-- Abandonment--Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). The abandonment certificate will become effective on August 31, 1994, unless the Commission finds that: (1) a financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: July 27, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1140X)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--In Orange County, NY Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately a 2.7 plus-minus mile line of railroad between milepost 66.2 plus-minus; and milepost 68.9 plus-minus, in Middletown, Orange County, NY. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 31, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: June 22,1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167; Sub-No. 1141] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment--Between Kenton and Alger, OH The Commission has issued a certificate authorizing the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to abandon its 14.34-mile Alger Industrial Track between Kenton (milepost 25.16) and Alger (milepost 39.50 in Hardin, County, OH. The abandonment was granted subject to standard employee protective conditions and the condition that Conrail must not salvage or dispose of 9 bridges on the line until completion of the section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 470f. The abandonment certificate will become effective 30 days after this publication unless the Commission finds that: (1) a financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable rail service to be continued and (2) it is likely that the financial assistance will fully compensate Conrail. Decided: November 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-167 (Sub-No. 1142)] Consolidated Rail Corporation--Abandonment--Between Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls in Summit County, OH The Commission has issued a decision and certificate of interim trail use and abandonment authorizing Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to abandon its Akron Secondary line between milepost 1.45 at Hudson and milepost 8.00 at Cuyahoga Falls, a total of about 6.55 miles in Summit County, OH. The abandonment is subject to an historic preservation condition, a trail use condition, a public use condition, and standard labor protective conditions. The abandonment certificate will become effective [30 days after publication] unless the Commission also finds that: (1) a financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: November 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 380X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Allegheny County, PA ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by CSX Transportation, Inc., of 1.47 miles of rail line extending between milepost 0.85 and milepost 2.32 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA, subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 19, 1994. Decided: September 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 420X); Docket No. AB-227 (Sub-No. 5X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--Fayette and Westmoreland Counties, PA; The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company-- Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--Fayette and Westmoreland Counties, PA CSX Transportation, Inc., (CSXT) and The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company (W&LE) have filed a verified notice under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances for CSXT to abandon and W&LE to discontinue trackage rights over 9.56 miles of rail line between milepost 0.00 at Broad Ford and milepost 9.56 at Mt. Pleasant, in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties, PA. This exemption will be effective November 20, 1994, unless stayed or a statement of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: October 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket Nos. AB-55 (Sub-No. 478X); AB-290 (Sub-No. 138X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Bell County, KY, and Claiborne County, TN; Norfolk Southern Railway Co.-- Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Bell County, KY, and Claiborne County, TN CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) have filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights for CSXT to abandon and NS to discontinue trackage rights over approximately 1.46 miles of rail line between milepost MR-221.0 near Gravity Yard and milepost MR-222.46 at Fork Ridge, in Bell County, KY, and Claiborne County, TN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 8, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: March 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 479X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.; Abandonment Exemption; in Putnam and Owen Counties, IN CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 13.1 miles of rail line between milepost Q-190.0, at Cloverdale, and milepost Q-203.1, at Gosport, in Putnam and Owen Counties, IN. Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 13, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 481X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Pike County, KY ACTION: Notice of Exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by CSX Transportation, Inc., of 13.16 miles of railroad line between milepost 14.58 at Myra and milepost 23.00 at Shelby Gap, and between milepost 0.00 at Shelby Gap and milepost 4.74 at Fenn, in Pike County, KY, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an historic preservation condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 15, 1994. Decided: September 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 482X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Charles Town, WV (See Norfolk & Western Railway) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55; Sub-No. 483X] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Orange, Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties, VA CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue its trackage rights on approximately 76.5 miles of rail line owned by Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) from milepost 84.7, at Orange, to milepost 8.2, at Alexandria, in Orange, Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties, VA. NS will continue to provide rail service on the line. This exemption will be effective on March 20, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 485] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment--Between Lynchburg and Sumter in Lee and Sumter Counties, SC ACTION: Notice of findings. SUMMARY: The Commission has issued a certificate authorizing CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) to abandon 16.01 miles of rail line between milepost AK-313.43 at Lynchburg and milepost AK-329.44 at Sumter, which is located in Lee and Sumter Counties, SC. The abandonment certificate will become effective July 10, 1994, unless the Commission finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Dated: June 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 486)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment--Between Bloomingdale and Montezuma--in Parke County, IN The Commission has issued a decision and certificate of interim trail use and abandonment authorizing CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), to abandon 7.34 miles of rail line between milepost BD-184.07 at Bloomingdale and milepost BD-191.41 at Montezuma, in Parke County, IN. The abandonment certificate will become effective September 18, 1994 unless the Commission also finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: August 16, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 487X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Polk County, FL ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by CSX Transportation, Inc., of 8.93 miles of rail line in Polk County, FL, extending between milepost AX-855.3 at Eaton Park and milepost AX-864.23 at Bartow, subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 4, 1994. Decided: October 25, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 488X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption and Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Rockbridge County, VA The Commission, under 49 U.S.C. 10505, exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903, et seq., the abandonment by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) of a portion of its railroad from milepost CPJ-9.34 at Loch Laird to milepost CPJ-12.0 at Buena Vista, and to discontinue trackage rights over the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W) between Glasgow and Loch Laird, in Rockbridge County, VA. The exemption is granted subject to standard labor protective conditions. This exemption is effective on September 25, 1994. Decided: August 17, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 490X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Pulaski County, IN ACTION: Petition for exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts, from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904, the abandonment by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), of the 0.37-mile end portion of its Medaryville Branch from milepost QB-14.79 to milepost QB-15.16, in Pulaski County, IN. The exemption is subject to standard employee protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 14, 1994. Decided: October 27, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 491X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--In Polk County, FL CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its line of railroad, known as the Lake Alfred Branch, between milepost AW-836.0 and milepost AW-839.5, a distance of approximately 3.5 miles, in Polk County, FL. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 11, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 492X)] CSX Transportation Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--In Atlanta, Fulton County, GA CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a portion of its line of railroad between milepost ANB-862.9 near Bankhead Avenue and milepost ANB-863.4 at the end of the track, a distance of approximately 0.5 miles, in Atlanta, Fulton County, GA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 28, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 22, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 494X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Pike Counties, IN CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue its trackage rights over approximately 26.9 miles of rail line owned by Indiana Southern Railroad, Inc. (ISRR) (1) Extending from milepost 163.9, at Straight Line Junction near Evansville, to milepost 140.2, at Gray Junction, and (2) extending from milepost 0.0, at Gray Junction, to milepost 3.2, at Oakland City Junction, in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson and Pike Counties, IN. CSXT indicates that ISRR will continue to provide rail service over the line. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 28, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 495X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--In Lawrence County, IN CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its 6.7- mile line of railroad extending between milepost Q-245.0, at Bedford, and milepost Q-251.7, near Mitchell, in Lawrence County, IN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 4, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 26, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-337 (Sub-No. 3X)] Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Brown and Cottonwood Counties, MN ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation of a 13.5-mile line of railroad, known as the Comfrey Line, between milepost 240.5, near Sanborn Junction and milepost 227.0, at Comfrey, in Brown and Cottonwood Counties, MN, subject to standard labor protective conditions and an historic preservation condition. DATES: Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) have been received, this exemption will be effective on September 4, 1994. Decided: July 27, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-156 (Sub-No. 19X)] Delaware and Hudson Railway Co., Inc.; Abandonment Exemption; in Saratoga and Warren Counties, NY Delaware and Hudson Railway Company, Inc. (D&H), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 38.00 miles of rail line known as the Adirondack Branch, between milepost 55.00, at Corinth, and milepost 94.96, at North Creek, in Saratoga and Warren Counties, NY. Provided no formal expressions of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) have been received, this exemption will be effective on April 3, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 24, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-8 (Sub-No. 29X)] The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company-- Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Dickinson, Morris, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Miami and Johnson Counties, KS, and Jackson County, MO The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company (DRGW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuance of Trackage Rights to discontinue its trackage rights over 173.25 miles of rail line owned by the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP) between milepost 278.39 at or near Kansas City, MO and milepost 451.64 at or near Herington, KS, in Dickinson, Morris, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Miami and Johnson Counties, KS, and Jackson County, MO (The Line). The trackage rights were granted in an agreement between MP and DRGW in 1982. DRGW's discontinuance of trackage rights will allow MP, owner of the The Line, to consummate abandonment of the portion of The Line pursuant to its filing in Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 111X), Missouri Pac. R. Co.--Aban.--Osage & Morris Count., KS, (1993). MP has also sought to abandon another portion of The Line in Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment--in Miami, Franklin and Osage Counties, KS, Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 115X), (ICC served Aug. 11, 1994), instituting an investigation under the modified procedure. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 19, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 12, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-415X] Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Delta, Marquette, and Dickinson Counties, MI ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad Company of 60.5 miles of rail line extending between Milepost 3.0, northwest of Wells, and milepost 63.5, at Channing, in Delta, Marquette, and Dickinson Counties, MI. The exemption is subject to a trail use condition, a public use condition, an environmental condition, and standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance is received, this exemption will be effective on June 9, 1994. Decided: May 19, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-402 (Sub-No. 1X)] Fox Valley & Western Ltd.--Abandonment Exemption--in Winnebago and Fond Du Lac Counties, WI ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Fox Valley & Western Ltd. (FVW) of five unconnected but related line segments totalling 15.7 miles of track between North Fond Du Lac and South Appleton, in Winnebago and Fond Du Lac Counties, WI. The line segments are as follows: (1) Between milepost 181.7, near Subway Road, and milepost 188.2, near Blackwolf Road, in North Fond Du Lac; (2) between milepost 197.1, near Harrison Street, and milepost 201.9, near Dixie Road, in Neenah; (3) between milepost 206.5, near Commercial Avenue, and milepost 207.1, near Wisconsin Avenue, in Neenah; (4) between milepost 208.4, near Fox River Bridge, and milepost 209.3, near Jacobson Road, in South Appleton; and (5) between milepost B-20.1, near Highway 110, and milepost B-23, near Jackson Street, in Oshkosh. We will grant the petition subject to standard labor protective and interim trail use conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on May 5, 1994. Decided: March 21, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-402 (Sub-No. 2X)] Fox Valley & Western Ltd.--Abandonment Exemption--Kewaunee County, WI ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Fox Valley & Western Ltd (FVW) of a 12.35-mile rail line extending between milepost 22.69, near Casco Junction, and milepost 35.04, near Algoma, in Kewaunee County, WI. This exemption is subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 12, 1994. Decided: August 29, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-385 (Sub-No. 1X)] Georgia Southwestern Division, South Carolina Central Railroad Co.--Abandonment Exemption--in Dodge and Wilcox Counties, GA Georgia Southwestern Division, South Carolina Central Railroad Co. (Georgia Southwestern) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon 18 miles of its rail line, extending from milepost SL629 at Rhine to milepost SL647 near Rochelle, in Dodge and Wilcox Counties, GA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 18, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-424 (Sub-No. 1X)] Grainbelt Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Tillman County, OK Grainbelt Corporation (Grainbelt) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 7.7 miles of line between a point south of Frederick at Milepost 767.0 and the end of the line at Davidson, milepost 774.7, in Tillman County, OK. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 13, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 157X)] Illinois Central Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in St. Tammany Parish, LA Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its line of railroad extending from milepost 36.66, near Slidell, LA to milepost 54, near Talisheek, LA, a distance of 17.3 miles in St. Tammany Parish. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 20, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: May 16, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 160X)] Illinois Central Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Jackson, MS Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon an approximately 4.5 mile rail line in Hinds County, MS, known as the Jackson, Mississippi line, extending from milepost NN-181.21 to milepost NN-185.15 and from milepost NN-186.95 to milepost NN-187.52, in Jackson, MS. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 21, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 164X)] Illinois Central Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Perry County, IL Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 6.2 miles of railroad known as the Pinckneyville to Pyatts line, between milepost G-60.19 (V.S. 3184+57) near Pinckneyville, IL and milepost G-66.43 (V.S. 280+79) near Pyatts, IL. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 14, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 8, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 165X)] Illinois Central Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption; in Perry and Randolph Counties, IL Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its Sparta District line between milepost 576.28 (V.S. 30435+31) and milepost 579.30 (V.S. 30594+96) near Willisville, IL, a distance of approximately 3.0 miles, in Perry and Randolph Counties, IL. IC states that, in a related Notice of Exemption filed January 21, 1994, Missouri Pacific Railroad Company seeks discontinuance of trackage rights and lease termination regarding the Sparta District line in Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 114X). Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on March 13, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-317 (Sub. 3X)] Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Co.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--In Gary, IN Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company (IHB) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue its trackage rights on approximately 3 miles of rail line owned by Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), between Conrail mileposts 4.63 and 7.75, in Gary, IN, known as the Dune Park Line. The trackage rights were granted in an agreement between IHB and Conrail dated April 9, 1906. The status of the line vis-a-vis Conrail is unclear. At one point IHB indicates that Conrail has filed, or intends to file, a notice of exemption to abandon this trackage. Elsewhere, however, IHB states that Conrail has previously received authority to abandon the line, subject to IHB's trackage rights. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on August 13, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: July 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-412X] Indiana Southern Railroad, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Daviess and Greene Counties, IN Indiana Southern Railroad, Inc. (ISRR) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F-Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 18.20-mile portion of its Petersburg Subdivision between milepost 76.0, at or near Worthington, IN, and milepost 94.2, at or near Elnora, IN, located in Daviess and Greene Counties, IN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 26, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: May 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-284 (Sub-No. 4X)] Iowa Northern Railway Co.--Abandonment Exemption--in Tama and Benton Counties, IA ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Iowa Northern Railway Company of a 14.1-mile line of railroad in Tama and Benton Counties, IA, subject to standard labor protective conditions, a trail use condition, and a public use condition. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on July 22, 1994. Decided: June 29, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-103 (Sub-No. 7X)] The Kansas City Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- in LeFlore County, OK The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon an approximately 9.49-mile line of railroad extending between approximately milepost 27.56 F at the connection of the KCS main line in Poteau, OK, and milepost 37.05 F at Wister, OK, in LeFlore County, OK. The Rails to Trails Conservancy supports and joins in the notice. It also supports issuance of a notice of interim trail use (NITU) for the line pursuant to section 8(d) of the National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1247(d). KCS and the City of Poteau, OK, also support the issuance of a NITU. The Commission will address the Conservancy's trail use request, and any others that may be filed, in a subsequent decision. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on August 17, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: July 12, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-103 (Sub-No. 8X)] The Kansas City Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- In Le Flore and Haskell Counties, OK The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon two intersecting rail lines totaling approximately 29.65 miles in Le Flore and Haskell Counties, OK, as follows: (1) approximately 9.50 miles of the Midland Valley Branch extending between the point of connection with KCS's main line at milepost 20.80 in Panama and milepost 30.30 near Bokoshe; and (2) approximately 20.15 miles of the Fort Smith and Van Buren Railway Company line extending between the point of connection with KCS's main line at milepost 20.12 in Coal Creek, and the end of the line at milepost 40.27 in McCurtain. KCS was authorized to acquire The Fort Smith and Van Buren Railway Company (FSVB) in 1939. FSVB no longer exists as a separate legal entity; it was merged into KCS on July 6, 1992. This notice has been delayed to allow KCS to comply with the filing requirements of 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(1), to clarify the status of FSVB, and to confirm that the proposed transaction is abandonment and not merely service discontinuance. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 27, 1994 (unless stayed pending reconsideration). The Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) supports the abandonment and seeks issuance of a notice of interim trail use/rail banking (NITU) under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) covering the involved lines. RTC has submitted a statement of willingness to assume financial responsibility for the trail in compliance with 49 CFR 1152.29. KCS consents to this request and is willing to negotiate with RTC. Based on KCS's willingness to enter into negotiations with RTC, a NITU will be issued. The parties may negotiate an agreement during the 180-day period prescribed below. If a mutually acceptable final agreement is reached, further Commission approval is not necessary. If no agreement is reached within 180 days, KCS may fully abandon the lines. Issuance of this NITU does not preclude other parties from filing interim trail use/rail banking requests. Nor does it preclude KCS from negotiating with other parties in addition to RTC during the NITU negotiating period. If additional trail use requests are filed, KCS is directed to respond to them. Use of the right-of-way for trail purposes is subject to restoration for railroad purposes. The parties should note that operation of the trail use procedures could be delayed, or even foreclosed, by the OFA process under 49 U.S.C. 10905. As stated in Rail Abandonments--Use of Rights-of-Way as Trails, 2 I.C.C.2d 591 (1986) (Trails), OFA's to acquire rail lines for continued rail service or to subsidize rail operations take priority over interim trail use conditions. Accordingly, if a formal expression of intent to file an OFA is timely filed under 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(2), the effective date of this notice will be postponed 10 days beyond the effective date indicated here. In addition, the effective date may be further postponed at later stages in the OFA process. See 49 CFR 1152.27 (e)(2) and (f). Finally, if the line is sold under the OFA procedures, the notice for abandonment exemption will be dismissed and trail use precluded. Alternatively, if a sale under the OFA procedures does not occur, trail use may proceed. It is ordered: 1. Subject to the conditions set forth above, KCS may discontinue service, cancel tariffs for the lines on not less than 10 days' notice to the Commission, and salvage track and material consistent with interim trail use/rail banking after the effective date of this notice of exemption and NITU. Tariff cancellations must refer to this notice by date and docket number. 2. If an interim trail use/rail banking agreement is reached, then with respect to the right-of-way it must require the trail user to assume, for the term of the agreement, full responsibility for management, for any legal liability arising out of transfer or use (unless the user is immune from liability, in which case it need only indemnify the railroad for any potential liability), and for the payment of any and all taxes that may be levied or assessed. 3. Interim trail use/rail banking is subject to the future restoration of rail service and to the user's continuing to meet the financial obligations for the right of-way. 4. If interim trail use is implemented and subsequently the user intends to terminate trail use, it must send the Commission a copy of this notice of exemption and NITU and request that it be vacated on a specified date. 5. If an agreement for interim trail use/rail banking is reached by the 180th day after service of this notice of exemption and NITU, interim trail use may be implemented. If no agreement is reached by that time, KCS may fully abandon the lines. Decided: September 21, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-103 (Sub-No. 9X)] The Kansas City Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- In Jasper County, MO and Cherokee County, KS The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon two rail branch lines as follows: (1) The Baxter Springs Branch from milepost 139.01 L at the connection with the KCS main line to the end of the line at milepost 148.51 L near Crestline, KS, a distance of 9.50 miles, in Jasper County, MO and Cherokee County, KS; and (2) the Waco Branch from milepost W 139.80 at the connection with the KCS main line to the end of the line at milepost W 142.9, in Waco, MO, a distance of 2.69 miles, in Jasper County, MO. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on January 21, 1995 (unless stayed pending reconsideration). The Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) supports the abandonment and seeks issuance of a notice of interim trail use/rail banking (NITU) under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) covering the involved lines. RTC has submitted a statement of willingness to assume financial responsibility for the trail in compliance with 49 CFR 1152.29. KCS consents to this request and is willing to negotiate with RTC. Based on KCS' willingness to enter into negotiations with RTC, a NITU will be issued. The parties may negotiate an agreement during the 180-day period prescribed below. If a mutually acceptable final agreement is reached, further Commission approval is not necessary. If no agreement is reached within 180 days, KCS may fully abandon the lines. Issuance of this NITU does not preclude other parties from filing interim trail use/rail banking requests. Nor does it preclude KCS from negotiating with other parties in addition to RTC during the NITU negotiating period. If additional trail use requests are filed, KCS is directed to respond to them. Use of the rights-of-way for trail purposes is subject to restoration for railroad purposes. The parties should note that operation of the trail use procedures could be delayed, or even foreclosed, by the financial assistance process under 49 U.S.C. 10905. As stated in Rail Abandonments--Use of Rights-of-Way as Trails, 2 I.C.C.2d 591 (1986) (Trails), offers of financial assistance (OFA) to acquire rail lines for continued rail service or to subsidize rail operations take priority over interim trail use conditions. Accordingly, if a formal expression of intent to file an OFA is timely filed under 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(2), the effective date of this notice will be postponed 10 days beyond the effective date indicated here. In addition, the effective date may be further postponed at later stages in the OFA process. See 49 CFR 1152.27(e)(2) and (f). Finally, if the line is sold under the OFA procedures, the notice for abandonment exemption will be dismissed and trail use precluded. Alternatively, if a sale under the OFA procedures does not occur, trail use may proceed. It is ordered: 1. Subject to the conditions set forth above, KCS may discontinue service, cancel tariffs for the lines on not less than 10 days' notice to the Commission, and salvage track and material consistent with interim trail use/rail banking after the effective date of this notice of exemption and NITU. Tariff cancellations must refer to this notice by date and docket number. 2. If an interim trail use/rail banking agreement is reached, then with respect to the rights-of-way, it must require the trail user to assume, for the term of the agreement, full responsibility for management of, for any legal liability arising out of the transfer or use of (unless the user is immune from liability, in which case it need only indemnify KCS from any potential liability), and for the payment of any and all taxes that may be levied or assessed against, the rights-of-way. 3. Interim trail use/rail banking is subject to the future restoration of rail service and to the user's continuing to meet the financial obligations for the rights-of-way. 4. If interim trail use is implemented and subsequently the user intends to terminate trail use, it must send the Commission a copy of this notice of exemption and NITU and request that it be vacated on a specified date. 5. If an agreement for interim trail use/rail banking is reached by the 180th day after service of this decision and notice, interim trail use may be implemented. If no agreement is reached by that time, KCS may fully abandon the lines. 6. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this notice of exemption and NITU will be effective on January 21, 1995. Decided: December 15, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-103 (Sub-No. 10X)] Kansas City Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Jackson County, MO Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 1.42 miles of rail line, known as the Independence Air Line Branch, in Kansas City and Independence, in Jackson County, MO. The trackage is from the west line of Kentucky Avenue at milepost 6.93E to the end at milepost 8.35E. The City of Independence (City) owns and maintains a power transmission line along the tracks and right-of-way lying between Kentucky and Independence Avenues. KCS states that, once the abandonment becomes effective, it will transfer the right-of-way to the City by quitclaim deed. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on January 21, 1995, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-409 (Sub-No. 1X); Docket No. AB-52 (Sub-No. 75X)] Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority-- Abandonment Exemption--Between Arcadia and Los Angeles, CA, et al. ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and discontinuance of service by The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, over 15.97 miles of rail line extending between milepost 124.2 near Arcadia Station, and milepost 140.05 near Mission Tower, in Los Angeles County, CA., subject to environmental and standard labor protective conditions. The transactions were also exempted from the offer of financial assistance and public use procedures of 49 U.S.C. 10905 and 10906, respectively. DATES: This exemption will be effective on February 14, 1994. Decided: February 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-409 (Sub-No. 2X] Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority-- Abandonment Exemption--in Los Angeles County, CA (See Southern Pacific Transportation Company) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-409 (Sub-No. 4X)] Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority-- Abandonment Exemption--in Los Angeles County, CA (See Southern Pacific Transportation Company) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 164X)] Louisiana Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- at Chalmette, LA Louisiana Southern Railway Company (LS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.4-mile line of railroad between milepost 1.7-LS and milepost 3.1-LS at Chalmette, in St. Bernard Parish, LA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on January 11, 1995, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 6, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-83 (Sub-No. 13X)] Maine Central Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption; in Coos and Carroll Counties, NH Maine Central Railroad Company (MEC) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon two segments of its Mountain Division line (1) between milepost 51.11, near Conway, and milepost 67.00, near Bartlett and (2) between milepost 90.00, near Carroll, and milepost 103.16, near Whitefield, a distance of 29.05 miles, in Coos and Carroll Counties, NH.& Abandonment and discontinuance of the line segment between mileposts 67.00 and milepost 90.00, was exempted in Maine Central R. Co. and Springfield Terminal Ry. Co.--Aband. and Discon. Exempt.--In Carroll and Coos Counties, NH, AB-83 (Sub-No. 11X) (1991). Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 26, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: January 21, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-83 (Sub-No. 14X)] Maine Central Railroad Company; Abandonment Exemption; Cumberland and Oxford Counties, ME [Docket No. 268 (Sub-No. 2X)] Portland Terminal Company; Discontinuance of Service Exemption; Cumberland and Oxford Counties, ME Maine Central Railroad Company (MEC) and Portland Terminal Company (PT) filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F-- Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances to abandon and discontinue service over a segment of their Mountain Division line of railroad between milepost 5.76 and milepost 51.11, a distance of approximately 45.35 miles in Cumberland and Oxford Counties, ME. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 17, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 12, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 112)] Missouri Pacific Railroad Company; Abandonment; in Woodson County, KS (Piqua Industrial Lead) The Commission has issued a certificate authorizing the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company to abandon its 8.5-mile rail line known as the Piqua Industrial Lead, from milepost 382.5 near Durand to the end of the track at milepost 374.0 near Piqua, in Woodson County, KS. The abandonment certificate will be effective April 16, 1994, unless the Commission also finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable rail service to continue; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: March 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 114X)] Exemption Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights and Lease Exemption--in Perry and Randolph Counties, IL Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue trackage rights on approximately 3.7 miles of rail line and lease of a 945 foot portion of connecting track owned by Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC), successor to Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company (GM&O). The trackage rights involve: (1) That portion of the Leahy spur owned by GM&O from point of switch at survey station 30504 plus 07 to the east right-of-way line of GM&O approximately 305 feet; (2) that portion of GM&O's main line between survey station 30504 plus 07 (south of Willisville, IL) and survey station 30504 plus 93.5 at Percy, IL; and (3) that portion of MP-GM&O connecting track from survey station 30698 plus 03.5 approximately 310 feet. The lease involves that portion of the MP-GM&O connecting track owned by GM&O extending from survey station 30698 plus 03.5 to the point where the connecting track intersects the west right-of-way line of GM&O. All involved line segments are located in Perry and Randolph Counties, IL. For purposes of clarity and consistency, the rail line segments involved in the trackage rights and lease agreement are identified, as they are in the notice filed by MP, with reference to the predecessor entity, GM&O. The trackage rights and lease of track were approved by the Commission in Finance Docket No. 26669, Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Trackage Rights Etc.--Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company, served August 16, 1971. Pursuant to the trackage rights/lease agreement of May 14, 1971, as amended by an agreement of September 30, 1986, between GM&O and MP, the lease of track and trackage rights were terminated on December 31, 1987. MP indicates that operations by other carriers will continue on a portion of the involved line. IC intends to abandon a portion of the line by Notice of Exemption filed January 24, 1994, in Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 165X). This exemption will be effective on March 12, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB- (Sub-No. 115)] Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment--in Miami, Franklin, and Osage Counties, KS; Notice The Commission has found that the public convenience and necessity permit Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP) to abandon a portion of its line of railroad known as the Hoisington Subdivision, between milepost 335.5, near Osawatomie, and milepost 388.25, near Osage City, and the Topeka Industrial Lead, between milepost 368.3, near Lomax, and milepost 381.8, near Overbrook, a total distance of 66.25 miles, in Miami, Franklin, and Osage Counties, KS. A certificate will be issued authorizing abandonment unless within 15 days after this publication the Commission also finds that: (1) A financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase), to enable the rail service to be continued; and (2) it is likely that the assistance would fully compensate the railroad. Decided: December 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 116X)] Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--Smith County, TX ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP) of a 1.462-mile portion of its Tyler Branch rail line extending from milepost 25.538 to the end of the line at milepost 27.0, near Swan, Smith County, TX. Swan, at milepost 26.3 is a nonagency station. This exemption is subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 17, 1994. Decided: August 11, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 117X)] Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Saline County, KS Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon an approximately 0.60-mile portion of the Trigo Industrial Lead from milepost 490.6 (at the end of the line) to milepost 491.2, near Salina, in Saline County, KS. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 2, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: July 28, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-3 (Sub-No. 118X)] Missouri Pacific Railroad Company--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--Perry County, IL Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MP), has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Trackage Rights to discontinue its trackage rights over approximately 7.2 miles of rail line owned by Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) between milepost G-59.20 (Valuation Station 3132+45) in Pinckneyville, and milepost G-66.43 (Valuation Station 280+79) in Pyatts, both in Perry County, IL. The trackage rights were granted in an agreement between IC and MP dated May 7, 1929. MP indicates that operations by other carriers will continue on a portion of the line. IC intends to abandon a portion of the line by notice of exemption filed July 26, 1994, in Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 164X). Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 15, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 9, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-419X] New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Strafford County, NH ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-10904 the abandonment by New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation of approximately 7.28 miles of rail line, known as the Farmington Branch, between milepost D-9.72, in Rochester, and the end of the track at milepost D-17.00, in Farmington, Strafford County, NH, subject to standard labor protective conditions. DATES: Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 8, 1994. Decided: October 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 138X)] Norfolk Southern Railway Co.--Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption--in Bell County, KY, and Claiborne County, TN (See CSX Transportation, Inc.) [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 139X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL, et al. Norfolk and Western Railway Company (N&W) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 23.38 miles of rail line in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL, and the city of St. Louis, MO. The lines to be abandoned are segments which extend: (1) Between milepost A-9.13 at Wanda, IL, and milepost A-13.0 at Bluffs Junction, IL;(2) between milepost A-20.5 at Troy, IL, and milepost A-37.04 at Bridge Junction, IL; (3) between milepost 2.20 at Branch Street Yard, MO, and milepost 3.35 at Venice, IL; and (4) between milepost O.O at Venice, IL, and milepost 1.82 at McKinley, Junction, IL. This exemption will be effective on April 28, 1994, unless stayed or a formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: March 22, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 140X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Charles Town, WV [Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 482X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Charles Town, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) have filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon their jointly-owned 0.99-mile line of railroad between mileposts 0.00 and 0.99 at Charles Town (Ranson), in Jefferson County, WV. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 9, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: April 29, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 142X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--at Toledo, OH Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon 0.65 mile of track between milepost CS-0.61 and milepost CS- 1.26 at Toledo, OH. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on June 30, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: May 23, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 144X)] Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- Jefferson County, AL Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its 2.2-mile line of railroad extending between NS milepost 35.0-R, at Burstall, and milepost 37.2-R, at Valley Creek Junction, both in Jefferson County, AL. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 22, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: August 15, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 145X)] Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Muscogee County, GA Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 7.4 miles of rail line from milepost 90.0 at Meyer to milepost 97.4 at Columbus, in Muscogee County, GA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on August 25, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: July 20, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 146X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Raleigh County, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon its 4.3-mile line of railroad extending between milepost WG- 29.3, at Whitby, and milepost WG-33.6, at Willabet, in Raleigh County, WV. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on October 26, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 13, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 147X)] Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--at Hilltop (Martinsville), VA Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 5.5 miles of rail line between milepost 36.1-DW and milepost 41.6-DW at Hilltop (Martinsville), VA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 24, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: September 14, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 148X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in the City of Salem and Roanoke County, VA Norfolk Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 1.58 miles of rail line from milepost S-2.8 at Lakeside in the city of Salem, VA, to milepost 4.38 at Hanging Rock, Roanoke County, VA. NW is a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway Company. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 23, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 19, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 150X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Mercer County, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 6.22-mile line of railroad: (1) between milepost BE-8.59 at Montcalm and milepost BE-13.9 at McComas;and (2) between milepost WF-12.69 and milepost WF-13.6 at McComas, in Mercer County, WV. NW was authorized to discontinue operations between milepost BE-8.6 at Montcalm and milepost BE-13.9 at McComas in Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Discontinuance Exemption--In Mercer County, WV, Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 83X) (ICC served May 17, 1990). Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 10, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 151X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- in Appomattox and Campbell Counties, VA Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.0-mile line of railroad between milepost N-190.2 at Phoebe and milepost N-191.2 at Concord, in Appomattox and Campbell Counties, VA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 1, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 24, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 153X)] Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Maryville, TN Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 0.65-mile portion of its line of railroad between mileposts 15.84-KA and 16.49-KA, in Maryville, TN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on November 30, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: October 21, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 154X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- Between Wenonah Spur Junction and Wenonah, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.4-mile line of track between milepost BW-20.1 at Wenonah Spur Junction and milepost BW-21.5 at Wenonah, in Mercer County, WV. NW is a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway Company. NW filed an exemption for discontinuance of service over 31.8 miles of its railroad located in Mercer County, WV, in Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Discontinuance Exemption--In Mercer County, WV, Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 83X) (ICC served May 17, 1990). In this filing, NW is seeking to abandon a portion of the 31.8 miles. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 16, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 156X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Discontinuance of Operations Exemption--Between Koehler and Fieldale, VA; Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--Between Koehler and Fieldale, VA Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS)have filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments for NW to discontinue operations over and NS to abandon approximately 1.4 miles of rail line between milepost 47.2-DW at Koehler and milepost 48.6-DW at Fieldale, in Henry County, VA. On December 31, 1990, NW became a wholly owned subsidiary of NS. NS (formerly Southern Railway Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation, a noncarrier. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 14, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 3, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 159X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Campbell County, VA Norfolk and Western Railway Company (N&W) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 0.66 miles of rail line between stations 45+50 and 80+41 at Lynchburg, in Campbell County, VA. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 18, 1994 (unless stayed pending reconsideration). Decided: November 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 161X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- McDowell County, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a verified notice under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.0-mile rail line between mileposts BZ-0.0 and BZ-1.0 at Buzzards Creek Junction, in McDowell County, WV. This exemption will be effective December 22, 1994 unless stayed or a statement of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. Decided: November 9, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 Sub-No. 162X] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- Between Anawalt and Jenkinjones, WV Norfolk and Western Railway Company (N&W) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon approximately 4.5 miles of rail line between milepost NT-7.3 at Anawalt and milepost NT-21.8 at Jenkinjones, in McDowell County, WV. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on February 2, 1995, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: December 22, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 165X)] Norfolk and Western Railway Company--Abandonment Exemption-- in Cincinnati (St. Bernard), OH Norfolk and Western Railway Company (NW) has filed a verified notice under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 0.85-mile rail line between milepost C-0.00 and C-0.85 in Cincinnati (St. Bernard), OH. This exemption will be effective January 14, 1995, unless stayed or a statement of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) is filed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-401 (Sub-No. 1)] Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railway Company--Abandonment--Between Cottage Grove and Mosby Creek, OR Commission has issued a certificate authorizing the Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railway Company (OP&E) to abandon its 3.35-mile line between milepost 0.0 at Cottage Grove and milepost 3.35 at Mosby Creek in Lane County, OR. The abandonment was granted subject to the condition that OP&E retain its interest in and take no steps to alter the historic integrity of the line until completion of the section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 470f. The abandonment certificate will become effective 30 days after this publication unless the Commission finds that: (1) a financially responsible person has offered financial assistance (through subsidy or purchase) to enable rail service to be continued and (2) it is likely that the financial assistance will fully compensate OP&E. Decided: October 4, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. 268 (Sub-No. 2X)] Portland Terminal Company; Discontinuance of Service Exemption; Cumberland and Oxford Counties, ME (See Maine Central Railroad) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-431 (Sub-No. 1X)] The Prescott and Northwestern Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--In Hempstead and Pike Counties, AR The Prescott and Northwestern Railroad Company (PNW) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 26-mile segment of its rail line between milepost 5.0 near Prescott and the end of the line at milepost 31.0 at Highland, in Hempstead and Pike Counties, AR. PNW is controlled by Potlatch Corporation of San Francisco, CA, a noncarrier. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on December 30, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: November 18, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-398; Sub-No. 1X] San Joaquin Valley Railway Company Discontinuance of Service Exemption in Fresno County, CA. (See Southern Pacific Transportation Company) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-400 (Sub-No. 2X)] Seminole Gulf Railway, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--In Lee County, FL Seminole Gulf Railway, Inc. as General Partner of Seminole Gulf Railway, L.P., d/b/a Seminole Gulf Railway, L.P. (Seminole Gulf) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon service on 3.55 miles of its Baker Spur Line located in Lee County, FL. The portion of line being abandoned extends eastward from the new proposed end of track at Engineering station 79+95 to the existing end of track Engineering station 267+62, a distance of 18,767 feet. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 3, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: February 22, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket No. AB-57 (Sub-No. 35X)] Soo Line Railroad Co.--Abandonment Exemption--in Dakota County, MN The Soo Line Railroad Company (Soo) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F--Exempt Abandonments to abandon service on 4.1 miles of Mendota Heights Line between milepost 160.84 and milepost 164.92 at Mendota Heights, Dakota County, MN. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on April 14, 1994, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Decided: March 7, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION [Docket Nos. AB-12 and AB-398; Sub-No. 149X and 1X] Southern Pacific Transportation Company Abandonment Exemption in Fresno County, CA; San Joaquin Valley Railway Company Discontinuance of Service Exemption in Fresno County, CA ACTION: Notice of exemption. SUMMARY: The Commission exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903-04 the Southern Pacific Transportation Company's abandonment of and the San Joaquin Valley Railway Company's discontinuance of service over a 4.15-mile segment of the Clovis Branch rail line, from milepost 219.00 at or near the Glorietta rail station, to milepost 223.15, at or near the Cooper Avenue rail station in Fresno County, CA. The Southern Pacific Transportation Company also will abandon a 4.71-mile spur track that connects to the Clovis Branch at milepost 220.9 at or near the Pinedale rail station. Under 49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1) the Commission has no jur