```

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 227 (Friday, November 24, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 70631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29730]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-325 (Sub-No. 2X)]

Florida Midland Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in 
Sumter and Lake Counties, FL

    On November 6, 2000, Florida Midland Railroad Company (FMRC) 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 Leesburg Branch, extending from 
milepost ST-762.10 in Wildwood to milepost ST-773.71 in Leesburg and 
from milepost AS-800.76 to milepost AS-802.38 at Leesburg, in Sumter 
and Lake Counties, FL, a total distance of 13.23 miles. The line 
traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 34785 and 34748 and includes 
the stations of Wildwood, Bamboo, and Leesburg.
    The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in FMRC's possession will be made available promptly to 
those requesting it.
    The interest of railroad employees will be protected by the 
conditions set forth in Oregon Short Line 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 February 23, 2001.
    Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) 
will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting 
the petition for exemption. Each OFA must be accompanied by a $1,000 
filing fee. 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 December 14, 2000. 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-325 (Sub-No. 2X) 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) Thomas J. Litwiler, Two Prudential 
Plaza, Suite 3125, 180 North Stetson Ave., Chicago, IL 60601-6721. 
Replies to the FMRC petition are due on or before December 14, 2000.
    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 1-800-
877-8339.]
    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: November 15, 2000.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-29730 Filed 11-22-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P
```