40659                        SERVICE DATE – LATE RELEASE MARCH 12, 2010

DO

 

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

 

DECISION

 

STB Docket No. AB-1043 (Sub-No. 1)

 

MONTREAL, MAINE & ATLANTIC RAILWAY, LTD—DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE AND ABANDONMENT—IN AROOSTOOK AND PENOBSCOT COUNTIES, ME

 

Decided:  March 12, 2010

 

            On February 25, 2010, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, Ltd. (MMA) filed an application under 49 U.S.C. 10903 for permission to abandon and discontinue service over approximately 233 miles of line in Aroostook and Penobscot Counties, ME.  Specifically, MMA seeks to abandon:  (1) the Madawaska Subdivision, consisting of approximately 151 miles of line between milepost 109 near Millinocket and milepost 260 near Madawaska in Penobscot and Aroostook Counties; (2) the Presque Isle Subdivision, consisting of approximately 25.3 miles of line between milepost 0.0 near Squa Pan and milepost 25.3 near Presque Isle in Aroostook County; (3) the Fort Fairfield Subdivision, consisting of approximately 10 miles of line between milepost 0.0 near Presque Isle and milepost 10.0 near Easton in Aroostook County; (4) the Limestone Subdivision, consisting of approximately 29.85 miles of line between milepost 0.0 near Presque Isle and milepost 29.85 near Limestone in Aroostook County; and (5) the Houlton Subdivision, consisting of approximately 16.9 miles of line between milepost 0.0 near Oakfield and milepost 16.9 near Houlton in Aroostook County.

 

            On March 4, 2010, the State of Maine (State), by and through its Department of Transportation, filed a petition requesting one or more public hearings.  The State explains that holding a hearing in Maine would permit interested parties from State government, local municipalities, shippers, and local residents to voice their concerns in a more accessible location.  United States Senator Susan M. Collins of Maine submitted a letter in support of the State’s request.  Also, Representative James L. Oberstar of Minnesota, Chairman of the House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Representative Michael H. Michaud of Maine jointly submitted a request for a public hearing.  The Board received similar requests from:  Irving Woodlands LLC and Irving Forest Products, Inc.; Fraser Timber Limited; Portage Wood Products, LLC; Huber Engineering Woods, LLC; and LP Building Products Inc.

 

            Because this proceeding clearly involves important issues for the people of Maine, the Board will grant the requests and hold a public hearing in Maine.  This hearing will allow the Maine stakeholders to provide direct testimony on MMA’s application.  The exact time and location will be announced in a subsequent decision.  At this point, it is anticipated that the hearing will be held shortly after the written record closes on April 26, 2010.

 

            It is ordered:

           

            1.  The Board will conduct a public hearing in Maine at a time and location to be determined.

 

            2.  This decision will be effective on its date of service.

 

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