Opinion ID: 783416
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Railbanking

Text: 13 The second relevant method of preserving a rail line right-of-way is referred to as railbanking — a process in which an entity willingly assumes responsibility for a line and establishes a public trail along the route. 16 U.S.C. § 1247(d) (known as the Rails-to-Trails Act). The interim trail use shall not be treated, for purposes of any law or rule of law, as an abandonment of the use of such rights-of-way for railroad purposes, and is subject to restoration or reconstruction for railroad purposes. Id. 14 The STB's regulations implementing § 1247(d) comprise procedural steps somewhat analogous to those involved in an OFA. 49 C.F.R. § 1152.29. Each entity seeking trail use files a Statement of Willingness To Assume Financial Responsibility with the STB. Id. § 1152.29(a)(3). These statements must be filed within ten days of publication of the notice of exemption in the Federal Register. Id. § 1152.29(b)(2). If the railroad agrees to negotiate regarding prospective trail use, then the STB issues a Notice of Interim Trail Use or Abandonment (NITU), which permits the railroad to discontinue service in favor of interim trail use, subject to future restoration of rail service. Id. § 1152.29(d)(1-2). Importantly, unlike OFA offers, railbanking requests are not binding upon the rail line — accepting a railbanking offer is at the discretion of the carrier.