03-24984. CSX Transportation, Inc.-Discontinuance Exemption-In Knox County, TN

On September 15, 2003, CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) filed with the Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to discontinue service over approximately 1.2 miles of rail line in CSXT's Central Region, Appalachian Division, KD Subdivision, Second Creek Spur, extending from Valuation Station 15304+87 to Valuation Station 15368+89, in Knoxville, Knox County, TN. The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Code 37066, and includes no stations.

The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in the petitioner'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 January 2, 2004.

Any offer of financial assistance to subsidize continued rail service 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 must be accompanied by a $1,100 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).

This proceeding is exempt from environmental reporting requirements under 49 CFR 1105.6(c) and from historic reporting requirements under section 1105.8(b).^[1]

All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 641X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Natalie S. Rosenberg, 500 Water Street, J150, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Replies to the petition are due on or before October 23, 2003.

Persons seeking further information concerning discontinuance procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Service at [phone] 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 [phone]. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]

Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at http://www.stb.dot.gov.

Decided: September 25, 2003.

By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings.

Vernon A. Williams,

Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  In addition, because this is a discontinuance proceeding and an abandonment is not proposed, trail use/rail banking and public use conditions are not appropriate.