Search Results for agency_names:"Surface Transportation Board"

Puerto Verde Industrial Railroad, LLC (PVIR), a noncarrier company, plans to operate a 2.43-mile private railroad track in Maverick County, Texas, on the site of a former coal mine. This site, owned by PVIR's affiliate, Farming Hydrasource, LLC, is being converted into an industrial park. Once operational, PVIR will provide carrier services like switching and transloading for local businesses. The railroad's annual revenue is projected to stay under $5 million, classifying it as a Class III rail carrier. The earliest start date for operations under this exemption is January 1, 2025, and certain regulatory reviews do not apply to this project.

TIP Minnesota Coaches Acquisition LLC, TIP MN Investments LP, and Tiger Infrastructure Partners Fund IV AIV LP are seeking the Surface Transportation Board's approval to gain control of multiple passenger motor carriers, including Marschall Line and Minnesota Coaches. These companies specialize in school and motorcoach transportation services, with operations primarily in Minnesota and extending to neighboring states. The proposed acquisition intends to maintain current services and workforce while potentially expanding the fleet. If no opposition is filed, the transaction will be finalized by February 25, 2025.

The Surface Transportation Board received a prefiling notification regarding a proposed transaction where Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company aim to gain control of Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company. After reviewing the February 14, 2025 submission, the Board determined the transaction is "significant" rather than "minor," requiring more detailed information and compliance with different procedures. The Board instructed Norfolk Southern to amend their application, submit a revised procedural schedule by March 21, 2025, and to pay the additional filing fee associated with significant transactions. Additionally, the Board noted concerns from CSX Transportation and the Virginia Port Authority about potential anticompetitive effects.

Mingus Mountain Railroad, LLC (MMRL) has filed a notice to acquire and operate a 38.74-mile rail line from Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, L.C. (CACR) in Arizona. MMRL is not a carrier yet but plans to run regular train services and acquire additional trackage rights after this transaction, becoming a Class III rail carrier. They assure that their annual earnings will not exceed $5 million, preventing them from becoming a larger Class I or II carrier. The transaction could be finalized by March 30, 2025, unless issues arise with the details provided in the notice.

The Surface Transportation Board issued a final rule to update its civil monetary penalties by accounting for inflation, as required by federal law. This annual adjustment, effective January 14, 2025, follows a specific calculation method and does not allow for public comment because the Board is following a mandated federal formula. The rule applies only to violations occurring after the regulation's effective date. It also clarifies that the Board has no authority to adjust criminal penalties for inflation.

American Services Rail, LLC (ASR), a noncarrier, has submitted a notice to lease and operate a small rail line in Mississippi currently operated by Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, LLC (CRIP). The arrangement allows ASR to function as a common carrier on a specific section and as a contract carrier on additional tracks. ASR affirms that no interchange commitments are involved and that the transaction will not lead to it becoming a larger rail carrier. The transaction is set to take effect on April 9, 2025, with legal precautions in place if any misleading information is found.

CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) plans to stop service on a 7.51-mile rail line stretching from Bergen County, New Jersey, to Rockland County, New York. This decision is based on the line not having local traffic for over two years, and any other traffic is being rerouted. Employees affected by this change will receive protection under certain employment conditions. If no objections or offers to support continued service are received, this change will take effect on May 17, 2025, unless reconsidered or challenged by specific dates provided.

The Mohawk, Adirondack & Northern Railroad Corporation (MAN) has applied for permission to abandon parts of a rail line between Lowville and Carthage villages and within Lyons Falls, New York. MAN assures that no freight has used these lines in two years and rerouting is possible for any traffic. Employees affected by this decision will be protected by existing regulations. If no financial aid offers are made, the abandonment will take effect on February 13, 2025, unless delayed by legal actions. Comments on the environmental impact are due soon after a draft assessment is published mid-January 2025.

East Chicago Rail Terminal, LLC (ECRT) is planning to acquire and operate a small section of railroad track from Chrome, LLC at East Chicago, Indiana. This track is 467 feet long and connects to the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. ECRT has agreed to this purchase and plans to use the track to provide common carrier rail service to Tri-Star DEF LLC without affecting any future agreements with other carriers. The acquisition is expected to be completed on or after February 26, 2021, and is exempt from environmental and historic reporting requirements.

The Surface Transportation Board has announced a vacancy on the Passenger Railroad Advisory Committee (PRAC) for a representative from a state that funds intercity passenger rail. They are seeking nominations from the public to fill this position by February 27, 2025. The PRAC advises the Board on topics like improving passenger rail service and reducing conflicts between passenger and freight railroads. Members of the committee serve in a representative capacity and do not receive salaries, but may receive travel reimbursements in cases of hardship.