The Surface Transportation Board has granted an exemption to Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC and other petitioners, allowing them to continue controlling North Florida Industrial Railroad, LLC (NFIR) when it becomes a Class III rail carrier. This decision was made because the exemption supports the Rail Transportation Policy by minimizing federal regulation and promoting efficient rail management. NFIR will lease and operate a track in Columbia County, Florida, connecting it to an existing rail line, which will expand transportation options for local businesses without negatively impacting any existing railway services. The effective date for this exemption is April 11, 2025.
Simple Explanation
Imagine there's a special company that helps trains move goods on tracks. A group of grown-ups asked for a special permission to be in charge of a tiny train company in Florida without following all the regular rules, and they got a "yes" because it makes things easier for local businesses to use the train.