36706                                    SERVICE DATE – FEBRUARY 2, 2006

DO

 

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

 

DECISION

 

STB Docket No. AB-57 (Sub-No. 55X)

 

SOO LINE RAILROAD COMPANY–ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION–IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI

 

 

Decided:  February 1, 2006

 

 

            By decision and notice of interim trail use or abandonment (NITU) served on February 8, 2005 (February 2005 decision), the Board, under 49 U.S.C. 10502, exempted from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903 the abandonment by the Soo Line Railroad Company (Soo Line) of a 5-mile line of railroad known as the West Allis Line, extending from milepost 88.2 +/- (near the State Highway 41 crossing in Milwaukee) to milepost 93.2 +/- (near North 123rd Street in Wauwatosa), in Milwaukee County, WI, subject to trail use, environmental and standard employee protective conditions.  The February 2005 decision authorized the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WisDNR), to negotiate with Soo Line for interim trail use/rail banking for the 5-mile line under the National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) (Trails Act).  At the request of WisDOT, the negotiating period under the NITU was extended to February 3, 2006, by decisions served on September 2, 2005, and October 28, 2005.

 

            On January 30, 2006, WisDOT, on behalf of WisDNR, filed a request for an additional 90-day extension of the NITU negotiating period.  WisDOT states that negotiations are continuing between the parties but more time is needed to finalize negotiations.  On January 31, 2006, Soo Line filed its response, stating that it agrees to the extension request to complete negotiations.  

 

            Where, as here, the carrier is willing to continue trail use negotiations, the negotiating period may be extended.  An extension of the negotiating period will promote the establishment of trails and rail banking consistent with the Trails Act.[1]  Accordingly, the NITU negotiating period will be extended for 90 days from February 3, 2006.

 

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

 

            It is ordered:

 

            1.  The request to extend the NITU negotiating period is granted.

 

            2.  The NITU negotiating period is extended to May 4, 2006.

 

            3.  This decision is effective on its date of service.

 

            By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Vernon A. Williams

                                                                                                          Secretary