[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 160 (Thursday, August 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 45298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21445]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-57 (Sub-No. 48X)]


Soo Line Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Marshall and 
Roberts Counties, SD

    On July 30, 1999, Soo Line Railroad Company, doing business as 
Canadian Pacific Railway (Soo), filed with the Surface Transportation 
Board (Board) a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the 
provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to abandon a line of railroad extending 
from milepost 208.8 near Rosholt to the end of the line at 
milepost 236.3 near Veblen, a distance of approximately 
27.5 miles in Marshall and Roberts Counties, SD. The line traverses 
U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 57224, 57255, 57260, and 57270 and 
includes the stations of Veblen (milepost 236.3), Claire City (milepost 
227.3), Hammer (milepost 223.4), New Effington (milepost 218.3), and 
Victor (milepost 213.8).
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in the railroad's possession will be made available 
promptly to those requesting it.
    The interest of railroad employees will be protected by Oregon 
Short Line R. Co.--Abandonment--Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979).
    By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption 
proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be 
issued by November 17, 1999.
    Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) 
will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting 
the petition for exemption. Each OFA must be accompanied by the filing 
fee, which currently is set at $1,000. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
    All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment 
of rail service and salvage of the line, the line may be suitable for 
other public use, including interim trail use. Any request for a public 
use condition under 49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 
49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than September 8, 1999. Each trail 
use request must be accompanied by a $150 filing fee. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-57 (Sub-No. 48X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, Office of the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Diane P. Gerth, 150 South Fifth 
Street, Suite 2300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Replies to the Soo petition 
are due on or before September 8, 1999.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Services at (202) 
565-1592 or refer to the full abandonment or discontinuance regulations 
at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be 
directed to the Board's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) at 
(202) 565-1545. [TDD for the hearing impaired is available at (202) 
565-1695.]
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement 
(EIS), if necessary) prepared by SEA will be served upon all parties of 
record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its 
preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy 
of the EA (or EIS). EAs in these abandonment proceedings normally will 
be made available within 60 days of the filing of the petition. The 
deadline for submission of comments on the EA will generally be within 
30 days of its service.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our website at 
``WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.''

    Decided: August 11, 1999.

    By the Board, Joseph H. Dettmar, Acting Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-21445 Filed 8-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P