Camas Prairie_dh_misc.doc

CAMAS PRAIRIE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT

STB Time Table
B. Abandonment Proceedings
C. State Issues
1. Adverse impact on rural and community development (Dept of Commerce and IPUC Expert) highway impact (ITD and possible expert).

2. Threatened specie and critical habitat (Fish & Game)

3. Stream and water (DEQ)

4. Public use conditions (ITD)

5. Action items

Governor letter to members of congress and STB Re: federal funds

Railroad rehabilitation improvement funds: RRIF is a rail-funding program created by TEA-21. The program provides approximately $3.5 billion in direct federal loans with at least $1 billion reserved for regional short line railroads. The FRA has not issued final rules implementing the programs and funds are not available until finalized. In addition, OMB is also contributing to the delay in purportedly requiring the rules to provide that the government becomes the “lender of last resort.” FRA rules may be promulgated in June 2000 but probably with the OMB requirement.

Light Density Pilot Program. TEA-21 also creates a light density pilot program (LDPP) to provide private dollars for capital improvements and rehabilitation of publicly and privately owned rail line structures. TEA-21 authorized $17.5 million per year for FY 1998-2003. Unfortunately no grants have been made under this program because it has not received any appropriation for congress. It is reported that the Chairman of the House Transportation Appropriation Subcommittee, Rep. Wolf (R-VA), opposes such appropriations.

Vld/M:Camas Prairie_dh_misc