[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 182 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 54202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21675]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-43 (Sub-No. 184X)]


Illinois Central Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Cook 
County, IL

    On August 29, 2008, Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) filed 
with the Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the 
provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to permit IC to abandon approximately 1.1 
miles of rail line, beginning from the point of switch at Station 0+00 
(mainline MP 3.00-Throop Street) and extending northeasterly 5,863 feet 
to the end of the track at Station 58+63 (mainline MP 2.00-Cermak 
Road), where it stub-ends, all in Chicago, Cook County, IL.\1\ The line 
traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Code 60616 and includes no stations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ IC explains that, even though the line is classified as an 
industrial spur and does not have mileposts at this time, the line 
was once part of the Chicago and Alton Railroad's main line in 
Chicago. IC states that it has not located any record of an 
abandonment for the line or any evidence of the line having been 
relocated. IC further indicates that it has embargoed the Line since 
March 2008 due to track conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The line does not contain Federally granted rights-of-way. Any 
documentation in IC'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 December 17, 2008.
    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 $1,500 
filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Effective July 18, 2008, the filing fee for an OFA increased 
to $1,500. See Regulations Governing Fees for Services Performed in 
Connection with Licensing and Related Services--2008 Update, STB Ex 
Parte No. 542 (Sub-No. 15) (STB served June 18, 2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 trail use/rail banking under 49 
CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than October 8, 2008. Each trail use 
request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-43 (Sub-No. 184X), and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation 
Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Michael J. 
Barron, Jr., Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 920, 
Chicago, IL 60606-2832. Replies to IC's petition are due on or before 
October 8, 2008.
    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 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) 245-0305. 
[Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) 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 Web site at http://www.stb.dot.gov.

    Decided: September 9, 2008.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Anne K. Quinlan,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-21675 Filed 9-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P