United States Rail Service Issues, 18948-18949 [2014-07605]

Download as PDF 18948 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices will hold itself out to provide all common carrier rail freight service over the Line, with NSR retaining limited overhead trackage rights. CCET intends to consummate the proposed transaction on or after April 27, 2014, which is after the effective date of this exemption (30 days after the exemption was filed). CCET certifies that their projected annual revenues as a result of this transaction will not result in its becoming a Class I or Class II rail carrier and will not exceed $5 million. If the verified 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. Petitions to stay must be filed by April 11, 2014 (at least seven days prior to the date the exemption becomes effective). An original and ten copies of all pleadings, referring to Docket No. FD 35810, 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 applicant’s representative, James H.M. Savage, 22 Rockingham Court, Germantown, MD 20874. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.’’ By the Board, Decided: March 28, 2014. Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2014–07522 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. EP 724] United States Rail Service Issues AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Notice of Public Hearing. The Surface Transportation Board (Board) will hold a public hearing on April 10, 2014, at its offices in Washington, DC, to provide interested persons the opportunity to report on recent service problems in the United States rail network, to hear from rail industry executives on plans to address their service problems, and to discuss additional options to improve service. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 The hearing will be held on April 10, 2014, beginning at 9:30 a.m., in the Hearing Room at the Board’s headquarters located at 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC. The hearing will be open for public observation. Any person wishing to speak at the hearing shall file with the Board a notice of intent to participate, identifying the party and the proposed speaker, no later than April 7, 2014. The notices of intent to participate are not required to be served on the parties of record; they will be posted to the Board’s Web site when they are filed. ADDRESSES: All filings may be submitted either via the Board’s e-filing format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at the ‘‘E-FILING’’ link on the Board’s Web site at ‘‘www.stb.dot.gov.’’ Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should send an original and 10 copies of the filing to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 724, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. Copies of written submissions will be posted to the Board’s Web site and will be available for viewing and selfcopying in the Board’s Public Docket Room, Suite 131. Copies of the submissions will also be available (for a fee) by contacting the Board’s Chief Records Officer at (202) 245–0238 or 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Valerie Quinn at (202) 245–0382. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board has been closely monitoring the rail industry’s performance metrics, and is concerned about the service problems that have been occurring across significant portions of the nation’s rail network, particularly on the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP) and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) systems. The Board Members have written to CP and BNSF 1 to express DATES: 1 See Letter from Daniel R. Elliott III, Chairman, and Ann D. Begeman, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, to Carl Ice, President and Chief Exec. Officer, BNSF Railway Company (Feb. 5, 2014) (on file with the Board), available at http://stb.dot.gov (open tab at ‘‘E-Library, select ‘‘Correspondence’’, select ‘‘Fall Peak Letters’’, follow ‘‘02/05/2014’’ hyperlink, and select the ‘‘.pdf’’ icon); Letter from Daniel R. Elliott III, Chairman, and Ann D. Begeman, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, to E. Hunter Harrison, Chief Exec. Officer and Dir., Canadian Pacific Railway Company (Mar. 6, 2014) (on file with the Board), available at http://stb.dot.gov PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 concerns that poor service is negatively affecting agricultural, coal, passenger, and other traffic. Per the Board’s request, senior management representatives of CP and BNSF met individually with each Board Member, and the Board requested certain additional data from CP and BNSF. The Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance (OPAGAC) has also been working with CP and BNSF to address and correct service issues as they arise. Representatives of OPAGAC have held numerous meetings and conference calls with affected parties to better understand the specific problems shippers are facing, and to help facilitate a quick resolution whenever possible. Board staff has facilitated meetings in Fargo, North Dakota, on service issues with shippers from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. We anticipate that, following this public hearing, additional field meetings in other affected areas will be held. The Board’s hearing is not intended to replace the informal and confidential process facilitated by OPAGAC, and shippers and railroads are encouraged to continue communicating through that office. The Board will hold a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m., on April 10, 2014,2 at its offices in Washington, DC, to provide an opportunity for interested persons to report on the status of rail service and to discuss ways to remedy the current service problems.3 The Board will direct executive-level officials from CP and BNSF to appear at the hearing to discuss their ongoing and future efforts to improve service on their railroads and to provide an estimated timeline for a return to normal service levels. The Board particularly encourages impacted shippers and/or shipper organizations to appear at the hearing to discuss their service concerns and to comment on the railroads’ (open tab at ‘‘E-Library, select ‘‘Correspondence’’, select ‘‘Fall Peak Letters’’, follow ‘‘03/06/2014’’ hyperlink, and select the ‘‘.pdf’’ icon). 2 Our regulations at 49 CFR 1012.3(c) provide generally for at least seven days’ advance notice of a public meeting. This decision is being served more than seven days in advance of the April 10 hearing. Although Federal Register publication will not be effected until April 7, 2014, we find that the service issues discussed above require that this hearing be held as soon as possible. See 49 CFR 1012.3(e). 3 The Board and other agencies have held similar hearings in the past to address transportation service issues. See, e.g., Rail Transp. of Res. Critical to the Nation’s Energy Supply, EP 672 (STB served June 6, 2007); Notice of Discussions, AD06–8–000 (FERC issued May 30, 2006); Discussions with Utility & R.R. Representatives on Market & Reliability Matters, AD06–8–000 (FERC Transcript dated May 23, 2006). E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices plans.4 Also, given the service disruptions that have hindered nearly all carriers that connect through the Chicago area, other Class I railroads are also invited to file notices to appear at the hearing. This decision will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. It is ordered: 1. A public hearing will be held on April 10, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., in the Board’s Hearing Room, at 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC, as described above. 2. CP and BNSF are directed to appear at the hearing. 3. By April 7, 2014, any person wishing to speak at the hearing shall file with the Board a notice of intent to participate (identifying the party and the proposed speaker). The notices of intent to participate are not required to be served on the parties of record; they will be posted to the Board’s Web site when they are filed. 4. This decision is effective on its service date. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 4 On March 24, 2014, the Western Coal Traffic League (WCTL) filed a Petition to Institute a Proceeding to Address the Adequacy of Coal Transportation Service Originating in the Western United States, Docket No. EP 723. The concerns raised in WCTL’s petition will be addressed as part of this docket. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 By the Board, Chairman Elliott and Vice Chairman Begeman. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2014–07605 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Notification of Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee April 8, 2014, Public Meeting. Notification of Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee April 8, 2014, Public Meeting. ACTION: Pursuant to United States Code, Title 31, section 5135(b)(8)(C), the United States Mint announces the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) public meeting scheduled for April 8, 2014. Date: April 8, 2014. Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: This meeting will occur via teleconference. Interested members of the public may attend the meeting at the United States Mint; 801 9th Street NW., Washington, DC, Conference Room A. Subject: Discussion of potential recommendation to change the reverse design of the American Eagle Silver $1 Bullion Coin, and discussion and potential recommendation to recommend designs for national medals. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 18949 Interested persons should call the CCAC HOTLINE at (202) 354–7502 for the latest update on meeting time and room location. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 5135, the CCAC: D Advises the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and national and other medals. D Advises the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the events, persons, or places to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins in each of the five calendar years succeeding the year in which a commemorative coin designation is made. D Makes recommendations with respect to the mintage level for any commemorative coin recommended. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Norton, United States Mint Liaison to the CCAC; 801 9th Street NW., Washington, DC 20220; or call 202–354–7200. Any member of the public interested in submitting matters for the CCAC’s consideration is invited to submit them by fax to the following number: 202– 756–6525. Authority: 31 U.S.C. § 5135(b)(8)(C). Dated: March 31, 2014. Richard A. Peterson, Deputy Director, United States Mint. [FR Doc. 2014–07588 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–37–P E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18948-18949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07605]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[Docket No. EP 724]


United States Rail Service Issues

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Public Hearing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) will hold a public 
hearing on April 10, 2014, at its offices in Washington, DC, to provide 
interested persons the opportunity to report on recent service problems 
in the United States rail network, to hear from rail industry 
executives on plans to address their service problems, and to discuss 
additional options to improve service.

DATES: The hearing will be held on April 10, 2014, beginning at 9:30 
a.m., in the Hearing Room at the Board's headquarters located at 395 E 
Street SW., Washington, DC. The hearing will be open for public 
observation. Any person wishing to speak at the hearing shall file with 
the Board a notice of intent to participate, identifying the party and 
the proposed speaker, no later than April 7, 2014. The notices of 
intent to participate are not required to be served on the parties of 
record; they will be posted to the Board's Web site when they are 
filed.

ADDRESSES: All filings may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing 
should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at 
the ``E-FILING'' link on the Board's Web site at ``www.stb.dot.gov.'' 
Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should 
send an original and 10 copies of the filing to: Surface Transportation 
Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 724, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-
0001.
    Copies of written submissions will be posted to the Board's Web 
site and will be available for viewing and self-copying in the Board's 
Public Docket Room, Suite 131. Copies of the submissions will also be 
available (for a fee) by contacting the Board's Chief Records Officer 
at (202) 245-0238 or 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Valerie Quinn at (202) 245-0382. 
Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board has been closely monitoring the 
rail industry's performance metrics, and is concerned about the service 
problems that have been occurring across significant portions of the 
nation's rail network, particularly on the Canadian Pacific Railway 
Company (CP) and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) systems. The Board Members 
have written to CP and BNSF \1\ to express concerns that poor service 
is negatively affecting agricultural, coal, passenger, and other 
traffic. Per the Board's request, senior management representatives of 
CP and BNSF met individually with each Board Member, and the Board 
requested certain additional data from CP and BNSF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Letter from Daniel R. Elliott III, Chairman, and Ann D. 
Begeman, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, to Carl Ice, 
President and Chief Exec. Officer, BNSF Railway Company (Feb. 5, 
2014) (on file with the Board), available at http://stb.dot.gov 
(open tab at ``E-Library, select ``Correspondence'', select ``Fall 
Peak Letters'', follow ``02/05/2014'' hyperlink, and select the 
``.pdf'' icon); Letter from Daniel R. Elliott III, Chairman, and Ann 
D. Begeman, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, to E. 
Hunter Harrison, Chief Exec. Officer and Dir., Canadian Pacific 
Railway Company (Mar. 6, 2014) (on file with the Board), available 
at http://stb.dot.gov (open tab at ``E-Library, select 
``Correspondence'', select ``Fall Peak Letters'', follow ``03/06/
2014'' hyperlink, and select the ``.pdf'' icon).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Board's Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and 
Compliance (OPAGAC) has also been working with CP and BNSF to address 
and correct service issues as they arise. Representatives of OPAGAC 
have held numerous meetings and conference calls with affected parties 
to better understand the specific problems shippers are facing, and to 
help facilitate a quick resolution whenever possible. Board staff has 
facilitated meetings in Fargo, North Dakota, on service issues with 
shippers from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. We 
anticipate that, following this public hearing, additional field 
meetings in other affected areas will be held. The Board's hearing is 
not intended to replace the informal and confidential process 
facilitated by OPAGAC, and shippers and railroads are encouraged to 
continue communicating through that office.
    The Board will hold a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m., on 
April 10, 2014,\2\ at its offices in Washington, DC, to provide an 
opportunity for interested persons to report on the status of rail 
service and to discuss ways to remedy the current service problems.\3\ 
The Board will direct executive-level officials from CP and BNSF to 
appear at the hearing to discuss their ongoing and future efforts to 
improve service on their railroads and to provide an estimated timeline 
for a return to normal service levels. The Board particularly 
encourages impacted shippers and/or shipper organizations to appear at 
the hearing to discuss their service concerns and to comment on the 
railroads'

[[Page 18949]]

plans.\4\ Also, given the service disruptions that have hindered nearly 
all carriers that connect through the Chicago area, other Class I 
railroads are also invited to file notices to appear at the hearing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Our regulations at 49 CFR 1012.3(c) provide generally for at 
least seven days' advance notice of a public meeting. This decision 
is being served more than seven days in advance of the April 10 
hearing. Although Federal Register publication will not be effected 
until April 7, 2014, we find that the service issues discussed above 
require that this hearing be held as soon as possible. See 49 CFR 
1012.3(e).
    \3\ The Board and other agencies have held similar hearings in 
the past to address transportation service issues. See, e.g., Rail 
Transp. of Res. Critical to the Nation's Energy Supply, EP 672 (STB 
served June 6, 2007); Notice of Discussions, AD06-8-000 (FERC issued 
May 30, 2006); Discussions with Utility & R.R. Representatives on 
Market & Reliability Matters, AD06-8-000 (FERC Transcript dated May 
23, 2006).
    \4\ On March 24, 2014, the Western Coal Traffic League (WCTL) 
filed a Petition to Institute a Proceeding to Address the Adequacy 
of Coal Transportation Service Originating in the Western United 
States, Docket No. EP 723. The concerns raised in WCTL's petition 
will be addressed as part of this docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This decision will not significantly affect either the quality of 
the human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
    It is ordered:
    1. A public hearing will be held on April 10, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., 
in the Board's Hearing Room, at 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC, as 
described above.
    2. CP and BNSF are directed to appear at the hearing.
    3. By April 7, 2014, any person wishing to speak at the hearing 
shall file with the Board a notice of intent to participate 
(identifying the party and the proposed speaker). The notices of intent 
to participate are not required to be served on the parties of record; 
they will be posted to the Board's Web site when they are filed.
    4. This decision is effective on its service date.

    By the Board, Chairman Elliott and Vice Chairman Begeman.
Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2014-07605 Filed 4-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P