Surface Transportation Board.
Notice of exemption.
Under 49 U.S.C. 10502, the Board conditionally exempts from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10901 the construction and operation by The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company of an 850-foot line of railroad in Merced County, CA.
The exemption will not become effective until the environmental review process is completed. Once that process is completed, the Board will issue a further decision addressing the environmental matters and establishing an exemption effective date at that time, if appropriate. Petitions to reopen must be filed by April 17, 2003.
An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34305, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, one copy of all pleadings must be served on petitioner's representative Erika Z. Jones, Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, 1909 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
Beryl Gordon, (202) 565–1600. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339.]
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. Copies of the decision may be purchased from Dā 2 Dā Legal Copy Service by calling (202) 293–7776 (assistance for the hearing impaired is available through FIRS at 1–800–877–8339) or by visiting Suite 405, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at
By the Board, Chairman Nober and Commissioner Morgan.