[Federal Register: May 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 99)]
[Notices]
[Page 28046]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22my03-126]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-603 (Sub-No. 1X)]
V and S Railway, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--in Barber County,
KS
On May 2, 2003, V and S Railway, Inc. (VSR), 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 20-mile
line of railroad extending from milepost 21.0, at Medicine Lodge, to
the end of the line at milepost 41.0, at Sun City, in Barber County,
KS. The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 67071,
67104, and 67143.
The line does not contain Federally granted rights-of-way. Any
documentation in VSR'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 issuing this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption
proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be
issued by August 20, 2003.
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 $1,100
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 June 11, 2003. 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-603 (Sub-No. 1X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation
Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington DC 20423-0001; and (2) Karl
Morell, Of Counsel, Ball Janik LLP, 1455 F Street, NW., Suite 225,
Washington DC 20005. Replies to the petition are due on or before June
11, 2003.
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 and 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) 565-1552. (Assistance for the hearing impaired is
available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-
800-877-8339.)
An environmental assessment (EA) (or an 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 after 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: May 16, 2003.
By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-12860 Filed 5-21-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P