Earlier this month, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) began considering a rule proposed by opponents to railbanking that would restrict railbanking negotiations to six 180-day extensions—essentially three years—except under “extraordinary circumstances.” Many rail-trail managers know that negotiations can unfortunately persist beyond that time, whether for regulatory, funding or other legitimate reasons. Trail managers and advocates have until Nov. 1 to file comments in opposition to the proposed rule.
It will be particularly valuable for the STB to hear directly from those who have benefited from railbanking negotiations lasting longer than three years. The easiest way to submit comments is to use the STB’s e-filing system to attach your comments as a file. Be sure to follow all the instructions listed. Comments are classified as “Other Submissions,” which do not require a filing fee nor the creation of a user account. The docket number is EP-749-1.