Federal Register, Volume 62 Issue 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 1997)

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28918-28919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-13933]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB-318 (Sub-No. 4X)]


Louisiana and Delta Railroad, Inc.--Abandonment Exemption--In 
Lafourche and Assumption Parishes, LA

    On May 8, 1997, Louisiana and Delta Railroad, Inc. (Louisiana and 
Delta), 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. 
10903-04 ¹ to abandon a line of railroad known as the 
Napoleonville Branch. This line extends from milepost 1.0, located at 
or near Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, LA, to milepost 15.28, located at 
or near Supreme, Assumption Parish, LA, for a distance of 14.28 miles. 
The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 70301, 70302, 70372, 
and 70390.
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    \1\ While Louisiana and Delta's petition recites that exemption 
is sought from the provisions of section 10904, as well as section 
10903, the petition offers no basis for an exemption from the offer 
of financial assistance provisions of section 10904.
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    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 interests of the employees will be 
protected by 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 within 90 days (by August 26, 1997.)
    Any offer of financial assistance 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 offer of financial assistance must be 
accompanied by the filing fee, which currently is set at $900. 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 and any request for trail use/rail 
banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than June 17, 
1997.² Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $150 
filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).
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    \2\ The City of Thibodaux, LA has requested a public use 
condition and interim trail use/rail banking. Its request is 
supported by the Governor of Louisiana.
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    All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. 
AB-318 (Sub-No. 4X) 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) Eric M. Hocky or Sebastian Ferrer, 
Gollatz, Griffin & Ewing, P.C., 213 West Miner Street, P.O. Box 796, 
West Chester, PA 19381-0796.
    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 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) 565-1545. [TDD for the

[[Page 28919]]

hearing impaired is available at (202) 565-1695.]
    An environmental assessment (EA) (or, if necessary, an 
environmental impact statement (EIS)) prepared by SEA will be served on 
all parties of record and on any agencies or other persons who 
commented during its preparation. Any other persons who would like to 
obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS) may contact SEA. EAs in these 
abandonment proceedings normally will be available within 60 days from 
the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of comments on 
the EA will generally be within 30 days of its service.

    Decided: May 15, 1997.

    By the Board, Vernon A. Williams, Secretary.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-13933 Filed 5-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P