[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 40 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 12831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-4391]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. AB-31 (Sub-No. 37X)]


Grand Trunk Western Railroad Incorporated--Abandonment 
Exemption--in Oakland County, MI

    On February 8, 2001, Grand Trunk Western Railroad Incorporated 
(GTW) filed with the Surface Transportation Board (Board), a petition 
under 49 U.S.C. 10502 from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 for GTW to 
abandon a line of railroad, referred to as the North Pontiac Spur, 
extending from milepost 2.39 to milepost 2.49/38.46, at Belt Junction 
on the Pontiac Belt Line; from milepost 2.49/38.46, at Belt Junction, 
to the end of track at milepost 37.7, near Joslyn Avenue on the Romeo 
Subdivision; and from milepost 2.75, at Belt Junction, to the end of 
track at milepost 1.25, near Montcalm Street on the Cass City 
Subdivision, a total distance of approximately 2.36 miles entirely 
within Pontiac, Oakland County, MI. The line traverses U.S. Postal 
Service Zip Code 48340 and includes no stations.
    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 the 
conditions specified 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 May 29, 2001. GTW has requested expedited consideration of 
its petition and has requested that any decision granting its petition 
be effective, if possible, not later than 15 days after its service 
date.
    Any offer of financial assistance will be due no later than 10 days 
after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each 
offer must be accompanied by a $1,000 filing fee. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(25).
    All interested parties 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 March 20, 2001. Each trail use 
request must be accompanied by a $150 filling fee. See 49 CFR 
1002.2(f)(27).
    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-31 (Sub-No. 37X) 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, Esq., Fletcher & 
Sippel LLC, Two Prudential Plaza, Suite 3125, 180 North Stetson Avenue, 
Chicago, IL 60601-6721. Replies to the petition are due on or before 
March 20, 2001.
    Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment 
procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Assistance at (202) 
565-1592 or refer to the full abandonment 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.] Any 
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: February 14, 2001.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-4391 Filed 2-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P