[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17141-17142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07243]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[Docket No. AB 303 (Sub-No. 46X)]


Wisconsin Central Ltd.--Abandonment Exemption--in Lake County, 
Ill.

    On March 11, 2015, Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL) 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 3.6 
miles of rail line extending between milepost 71.0 in North Chicago, 
Lake County, Ill., and milepost 74.6 in Waukegan, Lake County, Ill. 
(the Line). The Line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 
60064, 60085, and 60087.
    According to WCL, there is one shipper, International Precision 
Components Corporation (IPCC), located on the Line. WCL states that 
IPCC has entered into a terminable agreement with WCL to lease a side 
track connecting to the Line. From WCL's side track, IPCC transloads 
shipments to truck for final delivery at IPCC's off-Line manufacturing 
facility. WCL notes that it is exploring the relocation of IPCC's 
transloading operations to another rail-served location. After 
receiving Board authority to abandon the Line, WCL states that it 
intends to salvage the rails, ties, and other track material and then 
to negotiate a sale of the right-of-way to the City of Waukegan (City). 
According to WCL, the sale of the right-of-way will allow the City to 
implement an urban redevelopment project.
    In addition to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903, 
WCL seeks an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10904 (offer of financial 
assistance (OFA) procedures). In support, WCL states that the right-of-
way is needed for a valid public purpose as it is an essential 
component of the City's multi-faceted lakefront revitalization and 
redevelopment effort. WCL further asserts that there is no overriding 
public need for continued freight rail service. This request will be 
addressed in the final decision.
    According to WCL, the Line does not contain federally granted 
rights-of-way. Any documentation in WCL'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 Railroad--Abandonment Portion 
Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, In Bingham & Bonneville Counties, 
Idaho, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979).
    By issuing this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption 
proceeding

[[Page 17142]]

pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by June 
29, 2015.
    Any OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due by July 9, 2015, or 
10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for 
exemption, whichever occurs first. Each OFA must be accompanied by a 
$1,600 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
    All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment, 
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 
April 20, 2015. Each trail request must be accompanied by a $300 filing 
fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to Docket No. AB 
303 (Sub-No. 46X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Robert A. 
Wimbish, Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 920, 
Chicago, IL 60606-2832. Replies to the petition are due on or before 
April 20, 2015.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Assistance, 
Governmental Affairs and Compliance at (202) 245-0238 or refer to the 
full abandonment regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning 
environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Office of 
Environmental Analysis (OEA) at (202) 245-0305. Assistance for the 
hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay 
Service at 1-800-877-8339.
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement 
(EIS), if necessary) prepared by OEA will be served upon all parties of 
record and upon any other agencies or persons who comment during its 
preparation. Other interested persons may contact OEA to obtain a copy 
of the EA (or EIS). EAs in 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 generally will be within 
30 days of its service.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at 
``WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.''

    Decided: March 25, 2015.

    By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Kenyatta Clay,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2015-07243 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P