94-29201. Notice of Establishment of National Grain Car Council and Request for Suggestion of Candidates for Membership

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 227 (Monday, November 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-29201]


[Federal Register: November 28, 1994]


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INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION


Notice of Establishment of National Grain Car Council and Request 
for Suggestion of Candidates for Membership

AGENCY: Interstate Commerce Commission.

ACTION: Notice of Establishment of Federal Advisory Committee.

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SUMMARY: As required by Section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App., the ICC hereby gives notice that 
it has obtained approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
to establish a National Grain Car Council (NGCC) to assist the 
Commission in fulfilling its obligations to oversee the railroad 
industry's furnishing of safe and adequate car service for the 
transportation of grain under reasonable rules and practices, 49 U.S.C. 
10321 and 11121(a). The ICC is also requesting suggestions for 
candidates for membership on the NGCC.

DATES: Suggestions of candidates for membership on the NGCC are due on 
December 19, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Send suggestions and supporting information (referring to 
the National Grain Car Council) to: Richard S. Fitzsimmons, Designated 
Federal Official--National Grain Car Council, Interstate Commerce 
Commission, 1201 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 3130, Washington, DC 
20423.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard S. Fitzsimmons, Telephone: 
[phone]. TDD for the hearing impaired: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission has traditionally played an 
integral role in attempting to balance the needs of rail carriers and 
grain shippers. The regulatory reforms of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 
encourage market-based private solutions to such disputes, with resort 
to the Commission only when the free market has not successfully 
resolved a problem. It has become apparent to the Commission that those 
involved in the shipment of grain by railroad face recurring equipment 
shortages, and the current mechanisms available for addressing these 
problems are inadequate piecemeal measures, subject to time-consuming 
and expensive litigation.
    The Commission attempted to encourage discussion between large and 
small railroads, grain shippers, car manufacturers, and others by 
hosting a conference in April 1994. See the Report on the National 
Grain Car Supply Conference, Ex Parte No. 519 (Commissioner Simmons 
August 1994) (Report). Despite an airing of competing positions, the 
parties failed to reach any consensus solutions concerning the problems 
facing shippers of grain. The Report suggested the formation of an 
NGCC, consisting of representatives of railroads, shippers, and 
manufacturers, to give these diverse groups an ongoing mechanism for 
discussion in a forum that is not currently available. Particular areas 
of discussion for the NGCC include identification of areas where car 
shortages might occur, new technological developments, grain export 
policies, new rail car purchases, and continuing advice to the 
Commission.
    The NGCC will meet at least once a year, with such meetings of 
subcommittees or study groups as the NGCC deems necessary. We 
anticipate that the NGCC will meet in early 1995. No honoraria, 
salaries, or travel and per diem is available to members of the NGCC; 
however, reimbursement for travel expenses may be sought from the 
Commission in cases of hardship.
    Suggestions for candidates for membership on the NGCC should be 
submitted to the Commission within 20 days. The NGCC will be balanced 
and representative of all interested and affected parties, and consist 
of 10 representatives of Class I railroads, 5 representatives of Class 
II and Class III railroads, 5 representatives of grain shippers and 
receivers, and 5 representatives of private car owners and car 
manufacturers. The Vice-Chairman of the ICC will serve as an ex-officio 
member of the NGCC.
    Chairman McDonald has appointed Richard S. Fitzsimmons, Director of 
the Commission's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, to serve 
as the Designated Federal Official--the agency's liaison to the NGCC.
    Suggestions for members of the NGCC should be submitted in letter 
form, identifying the name of the candidate; evidence of the interests 
the candidate will represent; and a representation that the candidate 
is willing to serve a two-year term as a member of the NGCC.
    Copies of the Charter of the NGCC may be obtained from the Office 
of the Secretary, Room 2215, Interstate Commerce Commission, 1201 
Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20423. Telephone: (202) 927-
7428 [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through TDD 
services [phone].]

    Decided: November 21, 1994.

    By the Commission, Chairman Gail C. McDonald.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-29201 Filed 11-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7035-01-P