Austin Western Railroad, Inc.-Operation Exemption-Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 52612-52613 [E7-17980]

Download as PDF 52612 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 178 / Friday, September 14, 2007 / Notices Issued in Cambridge, Massachusetts on August 7, 2007. Nelson H. Keeler, Director, Office of Aviation Programs. [FR Doc. E7–18177 Filed 9–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–HY–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 35075] Watco Companies, Inc., and Watco Transportation Services, Inc.— Continuance in Control Exemption— Austin Western Railroad, Inc. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES Watco Companies, Inc. (Watco Companies) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Watco Transportation Services, Inc. (Watco Transportation) (collectively, Watco), both noncarriers, jointly have filed a verified notice of exemption to continue in control of Austin Western Railroad, Inc. (AWRR), upon AWRR’s becoming a Class III rail carrier.1 This transaction is related to a concurrently filed verified notice of exemption in STB Finance Docket No. 35072, Austin Western Railroad, Inc.— Operation Exemption—Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In that proceeding, AWRR seeks an exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to operate 164.83 miles of rail line owned by Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority between specified points in Texas. The parties intend to consummate the transaction on or shortly after October 1, 2007. Watco currently controls 16 Class III rail carriers: South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad Company, Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad, Inc., Timber Rock Railroad, Inc., Stillwater Central Railroad, Inc., Eastern Idaho Railroad, Inc., Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Inc., Pennsylvania Southwestern Railroad, Inc., Great Northwest Railroad, Inc., Kaw River Railroad, Inc., Mission Mountain Railroad, Inc., Mississippi Southern Railroad, Inc., Yellowstone Valley Railroad, Inc., Louisiana Southern Railroad, Inc., Arkansas Southern Railroad, Inc., Alabama Southern Railroad, Inc., and Vicksburg Southern Railroad, Inc.2 1 Watco owns 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of AWRR. 2 In Watco Companies, Inc., and Watco Transportation Services, Inc.—Continuance in Control Exemption—Michigan Central Railway, LLC, STB Finance Docket No. 35064, (STB served July 27, 2007), Watco was authorized to continue in control of Michigan Central Railway, LLC VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:44 Sep 13, 2007 Jkt 211001 Watco represents that: (1) The rail lines to be operated by AWRR do not connect with any other railroads in the Watco corporate family; (2) the continuance in control is not part of a series of anticipated transactions that would connect these rail lines with any other railroad in the Watco corporate family; and (3) the transaction does not involve a Class I rail carrier. Therefore, the transaction is exempt from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 11323. See 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(2). Under 49 U.S.C. 10502(g), the Board may not use its exemption authority to relieve a rail carrier of its statutory obligation to protect the interests of its employees. Section 11326(c), however, does not provide for labor protection for transactions under sections 11324 and 11325 that involve only Class III rail carriers. Accordingly, the Board may not impose labor protective conditions here because all of the carriers involved are Class III carriers.3 If the notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. Stay petitions must be filed no later than September 21, 2007 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35075, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. In addition, one copy of each pleading must be served on Karl Morell, Of Counsel, Ball Janik, LLP, Suite 225, 1455 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Decided: September 6, 2007. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–17978 Filed 9–13–07; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 35072] Austin Western Railroad, Inc.— Operation Exemption—Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Austin Western Railroad, Inc. (AWRR), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to operate, pursuant to an agreement with Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTA), CMTA’s approximately 164.83 miles of railroad extending between (1) Milepost 0.0 west of Giddings, TX, and milepost 56.4 near Austin, TX; (2) milepost 56.4 near Austin, TX, and milepost 154.1 near Llano, TX; and (3) milepost 0.0 near Fairland, TX, and milepost 6.5 near Marble Falls, TX, including the 3.3-mile Scobee Spur and the 0.93-mile Burnett Spur.1 The agreement also will allow Veolia Transportation Services, Inc. (Veolia) to provide commuter rail operations over a portion of the lines.2 This transaction is related to a concurrently filed verified notice of exemption in STB Finance Docket No. 35075, Watco Companies, Inc., and Watco Transportation Services, Inc.— Continuance in Control Exemption— Austin Western Railroad, Inc. In that proceeding, Watco Companies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Watco Transportation Services, Inc., jointly have filed a verified notice of exemption to continue in control of AWRR upon its becoming a rail carrier. The transaction is expected to be consummated on October 1, 2007, after the September 30, 2007 effective date of the exemption. AWRR certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of the transaction will not result in AWRR becoming a Class II or Class I rail carrier. However, because its projected annual revenues will exceed $5 million, AWRR also certifies that it has complied with the notice requirements of 49 CFR 1150.32(e).3 If the verified notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption BILLING CODE 4915–01–P (Michigan Central), once Michigan Central becomes a Class III rail carrier. The effectiveness of the exemption was delayed by decision served August 8, 2007, to coincide with the effectiveness of any exemption that is granted by the Board in the related line acquisition proceeding in Michigan Central Railway, LLC—Acquisition and Operation Exemption—Lines of Norfolk Southern Railway Company, STB Finance Docket No. 35063, petition filed on July 13, 2007. 3 Watco notes that it will consummate this transaction before it consummates the transaction in STB Finance Docket No. 35064. PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1 CMTA retains the residual common carrier obligation with respect to these lines. See Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority— Acquisition Exemption—City of Austin, TX, STB Finance Docket No. 33596 (STB served May 27, 1998). 2 Veolia will not be providing, and will not have the ability to provide, common carrier freight service to customers on the lines. Because the Board does not have licensing jurisdiction over the commuter operations to be provided by Veolia, it is not seeking Board authority. 3 AWRR certified its compliance with the notice requirements of 49 CFR 1150.32(e) on July 31, 2007. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 178 / Friday, September 14, 2007 / Notices is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. Stay petitions must be filed by September 21, 2007 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35072, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Karl Morell, Of Counsel, Ball Janik LLP, Suite 225, 1455 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Decided: September 6, 2007. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–17980 Filed 9–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [REG–118620–97] Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation, REG–118620– 97 (TD 8855), Communications Excise Tax; Prepared Telephone Cards. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 13, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to R. Joseph Durbala, Internal Revenue Service, room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:44 Sep 13, 2007 Jkt 211001 copies of the regulations should be directed to Carolyn N. Brown at Internal Revenue Service, room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at (202) 622–6688, or through the internet at (Carolyn.N.Brown@irs.gov). Title: Communications Excise Tax; Prepaid Telephone Cards. OMB Number: 1545–1628. Regulation Project Number: REG–118620–97. Abstract: Carriers must keep certain information documenting their sales of prepaid telephone cards to other carriers to avoid responsibility for collecting tax. The regulations provide rules for the application of the communications excise tax to prepaid telephone cards. Current Actions: There are no changes being made to this existing regulation. Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 104. Estimated Time per Respondent: 20 min. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 34. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: September 6, 2007. R. Joseph Durbala, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7–18184 Filed 9–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 52613 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [REG–209626–93] Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13(44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing notice of proposed rulemaking and temporary regulation, REG–209626– 93 (TD 8620), Notice, Consent, and Election Requirements Under Sections 411(a)(11) and 417 (§§ 1.411(a)–11T and 1.417(e)–1T). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 13, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to R. Joseph Durbala, Internal Revenue Service, room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to Carolyn N. Brown at Internal Revenue Service, room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at (202)622–6688, or through the internet at (Carolyn.N.Brown@irs.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Notice, Consent, and Election Requirements Under Sections 411(a)(11) and 417. OMB Number: 1545–1471. Regulation Project Number: REG– 209626–93. Abstract: These regulations provide guidance concerning the notice consent requirements under Code section 411(a)(11) and the notice and election E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 178 (Friday, September 14, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52612-52613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17980]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Finance Docket No. 35072]


Austin Western Railroad, Inc.--Operation Exemption--Capital 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    Austin Western Railroad, Inc. (AWRR), a noncarrier, has filed a 
verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to operate, pursuant 
to an agreement with Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority 
(CMTA), CMTA's approximately 164.83 miles of railroad extending between 
(1) Milepost 0.0 west of Giddings, TX, and milepost 56.4 near Austin, 
TX; (2) milepost 56.4 near Austin, TX, and milepost 154.1 near Llano, 
TX; and (3) milepost 0.0 near Fairland, TX, and milepost 6.5 near 
Marble Falls, TX, including the 3.3-mile Scobee Spur and the 0.93-mile 
Burnett Spur.\1\ The agreement also will allow Veolia Transportation 
Services, Inc. (Veolia) to provide commuter rail operations over a 
portion of the lines.\2\
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    \1\ CMTA retains the residual common carrier obligation with 
respect to these lines. See Capital Metropolitan Transportation 
Authority--Acquisition Exemption--City of Austin, TX, STB Finance 
Docket No. 33596 (STB served May 27, 1998).
    \2\ Veolia will not be providing, and will not have the ability 
to provide, common carrier freight service to customers on the 
lines. Because the Board does not have licensing jurisdiction over 
the commuter operations to be provided by Veolia, it is not seeking 
Board authority.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This transaction is related to a concurrently filed verified notice 
of exemption in STB Finance Docket No. 35075, Watco Companies, Inc., 
and Watco Transportation Services, Inc.--Continuance in Control 
Exemption--Austin Western Railroad, Inc. In that proceeding, Watco 
Companies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Watco Transportation 
Services, Inc., jointly have filed a verified notice of exemption to 
continue in control of AWRR upon its becoming a rail carrier.
    The transaction is expected to be consummated on October 1, 2007, 
after the September 30, 2007 effective date of the exemption.
    AWRR certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of 
the transaction will not result in AWRR becoming a Class II or Class I 
rail carrier. However, because its projected annual revenues will 
exceed $5 million, AWRR also certifies that it has complied with the 
notice requirements of 49 CFR 1150.32(e).\3\
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    \3\ AWRR certified its compliance with the notice requirements 
of 49 CFR 1150.32(e) on July 31, 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the verified notice contains false or misleading information, 
the exemption

[[Page 52613]]

is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 
10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke 
will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. Stay 
petitions must be filed by September 21, 2007 (at least 7 days before 
the exemption becomes effective).
    An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB 
Finance Docket No. 35072, must be filed with the Surface Transportation 
Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, a 
copy of each pleading must be served on Karl Morell, Of Counsel, Ball 
Janik LLP, Suite 225, 1455 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005.
    Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at http:/
/www.stb.dot.gov.

    Decided: September 6, 2007.

    By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E7-17980 Filed 9-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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