02-32712. Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor

AGENCY:

Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION:

Approval of rail cost adjustment factor.

SUMMARY:

The Board has approved the rebased first quarter 2003 rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. As required by statute, the RCAF was rebased using the fourth quarter 2002 index value as the denominator and first quarter 2003 index value as the numerator (10/1/02 = 1.00). Rebasing is required every five years. The rebased first quarter 2003 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 0.996. The rebased first quarter 2003 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.512. The rebased first quarter 2003 RCAF-5 is 0.495.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

H. Jeff Warren, [phone]. Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. To purchase a copy of the full decision, write to, call, or pick up in person from: D̄ 2 D̄ Legal, Suite 405, 1925 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, phone [phone]. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through FIRS: 1-800-877-8339.]

This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or energy conservation.

Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), we conclude that our action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Decided: December 19, 2002.

By the Board, Chairman Nober, Vice Chairman Burkes, and Commissioner Morgan.

Vernon A. Williams,

Secretary.