2015-07243. Wisconsin Central Ltd.-Abandonment Exemption-in Lake County, Ill.

On March 11, 2015, Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL) 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 3.6 miles of rail line extending between milepost 71.0 in North Chicago, Lake County, Ill., and milepost 74.6 in Waukegan, Lake County, Ill. (the Line). The Line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 60064, 60085, and 60087.

According to WCL, there is one shipper, International Precision Components Corporation (IPCC), located on the Line. WCL states that IPCC has entered into a terminable agreement with WCL to lease a side track connecting to the Line. From WCL's side track, IPCC transloads shipments to truck for final delivery at IPCC's off-Line manufacturing facility. WCL notes that it is exploring the relocation of IPCC's transloading operations to another rail-served location. After receiving Board authority to abandon the Line, WCL states that it intends to salvage the rails, ties, and other track material and then to negotiate a sale of the right-of-way to the City of Waukegan (City). According to WCL, the sale of the right-of-way will allow the City to implement an urban redevelopment project.

In addition to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903, WCL seeks an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10904 (offer of financial assistance (OFA) procedures). In support, WCL states that the right-of-way is needed for a valid public purpose as it is an essential component of the City's multi-faceted lakefront revitalization and redevelopment effort. WCL further asserts that there is no overriding public need for continued freight rail service. This request will be addressed in the final decision.

According to WCL, the Line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in WCL'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 Railroad—Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, In Bingham & Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 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 June 29, 2015.

Any OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due by July 9, 2015, or 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption, whichever occurs first. Each OFA must be accompanied by a $1,600 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).

All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment, 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 April 20, 2015. Each trail request must be accompanied by a $300 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).

All filings in response to this notice must refer to Docket No. AB 303 (Sub-No. 46X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) Robert A. Wimbish, Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 920, Chicago, IL 60606-2832. Replies to the petition are due on or before April 20, 2015.

Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance at [phone] or refer to the full abandonment regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) at [phone]. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary) prepared by OEA will be served upon all parties of record and upon any other agencies or persons who comment during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact OEA to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in abandonment proceedings normally will be made available within 60 days of the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of comments on the EA generally will be within 30 days of its service.

Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at “WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.”

Decided: March 25, 2015.

By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings.

Kenyatta Clay,

Clearance Clerk.