05-13656. Greenville County Economic Development Corporation-Abandonment and Discontinuance Exemption-in Greenville County, SC

On June 24, 2005, Greenville County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) filed with the Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to abandon approximately 11.8 miles of line, extending from milepost 0.0 in Greenville, SC, to milepost 11.8 in Travelers Rest, SC (Northern Segment) and to discontinue service over 3.29 miles of line, extending from milepost AJK 585.34 in East Greenville, SC, to milepost AJK 588.63 in Greenville (Southern Segment). No stations are located on either segment. The Northern Segment traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 29690, 29609, 29613, 29617, 29611, and 29601. The Southern Segment traverses United States Postal Service Zip Code 29607.

The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in GFEC's possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it.

GCEDC proposes to abandon or discontinue service over the Northern and Southern Segments, which constitute its entire operations. When issuing authority for railroad lines that constitute the carrier's entire system, the Board does not impose labor protection, except in specifically enumerated circumstances. See Northampton and Bath R. Co.—Abandonment, 354 I.C.C. 784, 785-86 (1978) (Northampton). Therefore, if the Board grants the petition for exemption, in the absence of a showing that one or more of the exceptions articulated in Northampton are present, no labor protective conditions would be imposed.

By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by October 12, 2005.

Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) 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 OFA must be accompanied by a $1,200 filing fee. 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 or for trail use/rail banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than August 3, 2005. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).

All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. AB-490 (Sub-No. 1X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001; and (2) William Mullins, Baker & Miller PLLC, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., #300, Washington, DC 20037.

Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Services 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 though the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]

An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary), prepared by SEA, will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in these 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 will generally be within 30 days of its service.

Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at http://WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.

Decided: July 6, 2005.

By the Board, Joseph H. Dettmar, Acting Director, Office of Proceedings.

Vernon A. Williams,

Secretary.