Alaska Railroad - Northern Rail Extension

Environmental Matters > Key Cases
RJ Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines

R.J. Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines, Inc., Construction and Operation, Abstract

On May 20, 2008, R.J. Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines Inc. (RJCP) filed a petition with the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) pursuant to 49 U.S.C 10502 for authority to construct and operate an abandoned 10.8-mile rail line between Wallaceton Junction and Winburne in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania (the Western Segment) and to rebuild the track on a connecting 9.3-mile line between Winburne and Gorton in Clearfield and Centre Counties, Pennsylvania (the Eastern Segment) that is currently being used for interim trail use, subject to the possible restoration of rail service (rail banking) pursuant to the Trails Act, 16 U.S.C. 1247(d). In total, the proposed project would involve the construction or rebuilding, and operation, of approximately 20 miles of the former Beech Creek Railroad to serve a new quarry, landfill, and industrial park being developed by Resource Recovery, LLC, near Gorton, Pennsylvania.

Because this project has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts, the Board’s Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) has determined that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is appropriate pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Accordingly, SEA issued a Notice of Intent on January 8, 2009 to notify individuals and agencies interested in or affected by the proposed project of the decision to prepare an EIS.

SEA will hold a public scoping meeting as part of the NEPA process associated with the development of the EIS. Additionally, as part of the scoping process, SEA has developed a draft Scope of Study for the EIS for review and comment. The link below provides access to the full text of the Notice of Intent and draft Scope of Study, and provides information on the date and location of the public scoping meeting.

January 8, 2009 Notice of Intent and Draft Scope of Study -

(http://www.stb.dot.gov/decisions/readingroom.nsf/fc695db5bc7ebe2c852572b
80040c45f/5a7d076784a321cd852575350048dfcb?OpenDocument)

For further information, please contact: Danielle Gosselin, Attorney and SEA Project Manager, at 202-245-0300 or danielle.gosselin@stb.dot.gov.