[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 54504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27734]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 114X)]


Union Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in 
Washburn County, WI

    On September 30, 1997, Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) 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 known as the Hayward Industrial Lead, 
extending from milepost 83.32 near Trego to milepost 96.0 near Hayward 
Junction, in Washburn County, WI, which traverses U.S. Postal Service 
ZIP Codes 54888 and 54875, a distance of 12.68 miles.<SUP>1</SUP> The 
line includes the non-agency stations of Trego at milepost 83.3, Earl 
at milepost 87.3, and Spring Brook at milepost 91.4.
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    \1\ UP states that the Hayward Industrial Lead previously 
extended from Trego in Washburn County to a location near Hayward in 
Sawyer County, WI. The segment between Hayward Junction and Hayward 
was acquired by Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL) pursuant to an 
acquisition exemption in Wisconsin Central Ltd.--Acquisition 
Exemption-- Lines of Union Pacific Railroad Company, STB Finance 
Docket No. 33116 (STB served Apr. 17, 1997). WCL operates another 
rail line that connects to the acquired line at Hayward Junction. UP 
states that the line to be abandoned does not now connect to any UP 
rail line.
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    The line does 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 January 16, 1998.
    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 $900. 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 November 10, 1997. 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-33 (Sub-No. 114X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, Office of the Secretary, Case Control Unit, 1925 K Street, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Joseph D. Anthofer, 1416 Dodge 
Street, Room 830, Omaha, NE 68179-0830.
    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.

    Decided: October 15, 1997.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-27734 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P