Pan Am Southern LLC-Temporary Overhead Trackage Rights-Boston and Maine Corporation and Springfield Terminal Railway Corporation, 85717-85718 [2023-27022]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 235 / Friday, December 8, 2023 / Notices All pleadings, referring to Docket No. AB 1296 (Sub-No. 1X), must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board either via e-filing on the Board’s website or in writing addressed to 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on RJC Railroad Property’s representative, Catherine S. Wright, Jackson Kelly PLLC, 100 West Main Street, Suite 700, Lexington, KY 40588– 2150. Replies to the petition are due on or before December 28, 2023. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245–0238 or refer to the full abandonment regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) at (202) 245–0294. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245–0245. A Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) (or Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS), if necessary) prepared by OEA will be served upon all parties of record and upon any other agencies or persons who comment during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact OEA to obtain a copy of the Draft EA (or Draft EIS). Draft EAs in abandonment proceedings normally will be made available within 60 days of the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of comments on a Draft EA generally will be within 30 days of its service. Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov. Decided: December 4, 2023. By the Board, Mai T. Dinh, Director, Office of Proceedings. Brendetta Jones, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2023–26958 Filed 12–7–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD [Docket No. AB 1336X] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Katahdin Railcar Services LLC— Discontinuance of Service Exemption—in Monroe County, Ohio On November 20, 2023, Katahdin Railcar Services LLC (KRS), a Class III rail carrier, filed a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to discontinue service over approximately 12.2 miles of rail line in Monroe County, Ohio, extending VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Dec 07, 2023 Jkt 262001 between milepost 60.5 near Powhatan Point, Ohio, and milepost 72.7 near Hannibal, Ohio (the Omal Line). The Omal Line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 43942 and 43915. The Omal Line includes the following stations: Omal, Clarington, and Powhatan Point. KRS states that it was authorized to operate the Omal Line pursuant to a lease with the Omal Line’s former owner, Ohio River Partners Shareholder LLC (ORPS), in 2020.1 (Pet. 1.) According to KRS, in 2023 East Ohio Valley Railway LLC (EOVR) obtained Board authority to acquire the Omal Line from ORPS and operate it.2 KRS states that, pursuant to that authority, EOVR acquired the Omal Line and commenced operations as of October 1, 2023, at which time KRS’s lease was terminated. (Id. at 1–2.) As such, KRS states that it now seeks authority to discontinue its operations and end its common carrier obligation with respect to the Omal Line. (Id.) According to KRS, the proposed discontinuance would not leave any Omal Line customer without access to railroad common carrier service, as all customers now have service via EOVR. (Id.) KRS states that, based on the information in its possession, the Omal Line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way and that any documentation in its possession will be made available to those requesting it. (Id. at 3.) As a condition to this exemption, any employee adversely affected by the discontinuance of service shall be protected under Oregon Short Line Railroad—Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, in Bingham & Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by March 8, 2024. Because this is a discontinuance proceeding and not an abandonment, interim trail use/rail banking and public use conditions are not appropriate. Because there will be environmental review during any subsequent abandonment, this discontinuance does not require an environmental review. See 49 CFR 1105.6(c)(5), 1105.8(b). 1 See Fortress Invest. Grp. LLC—Exemption for Intra-Corp. Fam. Transaction—Ohio River Partners S’holder LLC, Docket No. FD 36402 (STB served May 15, 2020); see also Katahdin Railcar Servs. LLC—Change in Operators Exemption—Ohio Terminal Ry., Docket No. FD 36487 (STB served March 30, 2021). 2 See E. Ohio Valley Ry.—Acquis. & Operation Exemption—Ohio River Partners S’holder LLC, Docket No. FD 36682 (STB served March 31, 2023). PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 85717 Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) for subsidy under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 120 days after the filing of the petition for exemption, or 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption, whichever occurs sooner.3 Persons interested in submitting an OFA must first file a formal expression of intent to file an offer by December 18, 2023, indicating the intent to file an OFA for subsidy and demonstrating that they are preliminarily financially responsible. See 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(1)(i). All filings in response to this notice must refer to Docket No. AB 1336X and must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board either via e-filing on the Board’s website or in writing addressed to 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on KRS’s representative, Terence M. Hynes, Sidley Austin LLP, 1501 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. Replies to the petition are due on or before December 28, 2023. Persons seeking further information concerning discontinuance procedures may contact the Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245–0238 or refer to the full abandonment and discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis at (202) 245–0294. If you require accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245–0245. Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov. Dated: December 1, 2023. By the Board, Scott M. Zimmerman, Acting Director, Office of Proceedings. Kenyatta Clay, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2023–26953 Filed 12–7–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD [Docket No. FD 36726] Pan Am Southern LLC—Temporary Overhead Trackage Rights—Boston and Maine Corporation and Springfield Terminal Railway Corporation On September 21, 2023, Pan Am Southern LLC (PAS) filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8) to acquire temporary overhead trackage rights over a line 3 The filing fee for OFAs can be found at 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). E:\FR\FM\08DEN1.SGM 08DEN1 85718 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 235 / Friday, December 8, 2023 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES owned by the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) and leased and operated by Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST). That line generally extends between PAS’s existing connection to B&M/ST’s tracks at Engineering Station 215+89 at CPF 312 outside Ayer, Mass., and Engineering Station 225+00 outside Ayer, for a total distance of approximately 1,000 feet (the Line). PAS was authorized to acquire these trackage rights over the Line by notice of exemption served and published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2023 (88 FR 66928).1 The purpose of the trackage rights is to provide the necessary head and tail room to reposition locomotives while PAS procures and installs a ‘‘cross-over’’ to address a lack of space on the Line. Currently, the rights are scheduled to expire on December 5, 2023. Under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8), the parties may, prior to the expiration of the temporary trackage rights, file a request for a renewal of the temporary rights for an additional period of up to one year, including the reasons for the extension. PAS states that the cross-over is not expected to be delivered as early as the parties anticipated and, therefore, the parties wish to extend the temporary overhead trackage rights until February 5, 2024. PAS filed a copy of an executed amendment to the temporary trackage rights agreement with its request for an extension. In accordance with 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8), PAS’s temporary trackage rights over the Line will be extended and will expire on February 5, 2024. The employee protective conditions imposed in the September 28, 2023, notice remain in effect. Notice of the extension will be published in the Federal Register. It is ordered: 1. PAS’s temporary trackage rights are extended and will expire on February 5, 2024. 2. Notice will be published in the Federal Register. 3. This decision is effective on its service date. Decided: December 5, 2023. By the Board, Mai T. Dinh, Director, Office of Proceedings. Regena Smith-Bernard, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2023–27022 Filed 12–7–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P 1 On September 28, 2023, the Board granted PAS’ petition to waive the requirement under 49 CFR 1180.4(g) that a verified notice be filed at least 30 days before the transaction is consummated and allowed the exemption to take effect immediately. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Dec 07, 2023 Jkt 262001 OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Procurement Thresholds for Implementation of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The U.S. Trade Representative has determined the U.S. dollar procurement thresholds to implement certain U.S. trade agreement obligations, as of January 1, 2024, for calendar years 2024 and 2025. DATES: This notice is applicable on January 1, 2024, for calendar years 2024 and 2025. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Psillos, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs, at (202) 395–9581 or Kathryn.W.Psillos@ustr.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12260 requires the U.S. Trade Representative to set the U.S. dollar thresholds for application of Title III of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2511 et seq.). These obligations apply to covered procurements valued at or above specified U.S. dollar thresholds. In conformity with the provisions of Executive Order 12260, and in order to carry out U.S. trade agreement obligations, the U.S. Trade Representative has determined the U.S. dollar procurement thresholds, effective on January 1, 2024, for calendar years 2024 and 2025 as follows: SUMMARY: I. World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement A. Central Government Entities listed in U.S. Annex 1: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$174,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. B. Sub-Central Government Entities listed in U.S. Annex 2: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$476,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. C. Other Entities listed in U.S. Annex 3: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$537,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. II. Chapter 15 of the United StatesAustralia Free Trade Agreement A. Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 15–A, Section 1: PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (1) Procurement of goods and services—$102,280; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. B. Sub-Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 15– A, Section 2: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$476,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. C. Other Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 15–A, Section 3: (1) Procurement of goods and services for List A Entities—$511,402; (2) Procurement of goods and services for List B Entities—$537,000; and (3) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. III. Chapter 9 of the United StatesBahrain Free Trade Agreement A. Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9–A–1: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$174,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$13,296,489. B. Other Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9–A–2: (1) Procurement of goods and services for List B entities—$537,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$16,365,673. IV. Chapter 9 of the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement A. Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9.1, Section A: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$102,280; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. B. Sub-Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9.1, Section B: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$476,000; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. C. Other Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9.1, Section C: (1) Procurement of goods and services for List A Entities—$511,402; (2) Procurement of goods and services for List B Entities—$537,000; and (3) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. V. Chapter 9 of the United StatesColombia Trade Promotion Agreement A. Central Government Entities listed in the U.S. Schedule to Annex 9.1, Section A: (1) Procurement of goods and services—$102,280; and (2) Procurement of construction services—$6,708,000. E:\FR\FM\08DEN1.SGM 08DEN1

Agencies

Surface Transportation Board

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 235 (Friday, December 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 85717-85718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27022]


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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

[Docket No. FD 36726]


Pan Am Southern LLC--Temporary Overhead Trackage Rights--Boston 
and Maine Corporation and Springfield Terminal Railway Corporation

    On September 21, 2023, Pan Am Southern LLC (PAS) filed a verified 
notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8) to acquire temporary 
overhead trackage rights over a line

[[Page 85718]]

owned by the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) and leased and operated 
by Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST). That line generally 
extends between PAS's existing connection to B&M/ST's tracks at 
Engineering Station 215+89 at CPF 312 outside Ayer, Mass., and 
Engineering Station 225+00 outside Ayer, for a total distance of 
approximately 1,000 feet (the Line).
    PAS was authorized to acquire these trackage rights over the Line 
by notice of exemption served and published in the Federal Register on 
September 28, 2023 (88 FR 66928).\1\ The purpose of the trackage rights 
is to provide the necessary head and tail room to reposition 
locomotives while PAS procures and installs a ``cross-over'' to address 
a lack of space on the Line. Currently, the rights are scheduled to 
expire on December 5, 2023.
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    \1\ On September 28, 2023, the Board granted PAS' petition to 
waive the requirement under 49 CFR 1180.4(g) that a verified notice 
be filed at least 30 days before the transaction is consummated and 
allowed the exemption to take effect immediately.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8), the parties may, prior to the expiration 
of the temporary trackage rights, file a request for a renewal of the 
temporary rights for an additional period of up to one year, including 
the reasons for the extension. PAS states that the cross-over is not 
expected to be delivered as early as the parties anticipated and, 
therefore, the parties wish to extend the temporary overhead trackage 
rights until February 5, 2024. PAS filed a copy of an executed 
amendment to the temporary trackage rights agreement with its request 
for an extension.
    In accordance with 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8), PAS's temporary trackage 
rights over the Line will be extended and will expire on February 5, 
2024. The employee protective conditions imposed in the September 28, 
2023, notice remain in effect. Notice of the extension will be 
published in the Federal Register.
    It is ordered:
    1. PAS's temporary trackage rights are extended and will expire on 
February 5, 2024.
    2. Notice will be published in the Federal Register.
    3. This decision is effective on its service date.

    Decided: December 5, 2023.

    By the Board, Mai T. Dinh, Director, Office of Proceedings.
Regena Smith-Bernard,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2023-27022 Filed 12-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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