20060530Reports.pdf

SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, IR-
S idnev. Strickland((l).stricklandDIl c. com
- -
May 24, 2006
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
BN~-O6-
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
, .. .
BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY --
ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION --
IN KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID
DOCKET NO. AB-
(SUB. NO. 441X)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC REPORTS
BNSF RAIL WAY COMPANY
2650 Lou Menk Drive
O. Box 96157
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
By: SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, JR.
ELIZABETH E. WAITE
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES
3050 K Street, No
Suite 101
Washington, DC 20007
[phone]
Attorneys for BNSF Railway Company
DATED: May 24, 2006
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
BNSF RAIL WAY COMPANY --
ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION --
IN KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID
DOCKET NO. AB-
(SUB. NO. 441X)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC REPORTS
(49 c.F.R. 1105.7 AND 49 c.F.R. 1105.
Pursuant to 49 C.R. ~ 1105.7 and ~ 1105., BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"
(referred to as "Applicant") hereby files Environmental and Historic Reports. These
Reports constitute Applicant's assessment of the environmental effects and historic effects
of abandonment of rail service on the involved rail line. Persons who review these
Reports are entitled to provide comments to the Surface Transportation Board ("STB"
Section of Environmental Analysis ("SEA"), 1925 K Street, N., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20423. There is information in the Applicant's files to indicate that the
rail line covered by these Reports does contain one parcel of federally granted right-of-
way. See 49 C.R. ~ 1152.60(d). These Reports have been prepared in conjunction
with the prospective filing of a Notice of Exemption of abandonment of the involved rail
line. STB regulations provide that the Notice of Exemption cannot be filed until at least
20 days after these Reports are submitted.
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
(49 C.R. 1105.
The following information is submitted to the STB by BNSF in accordance with
the Board's reporting requirements as set forth in 49 C.R. ~ 1105.7 for the purpose of
assisting the Board's preparation of an environmental document regarding BNSF's Notice
of Exemption seeking authority to abandon 2.12 miles of railroad line between Milepost
12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d' Alene in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line
(1) Proposed Action and Alternatives : Describe the proposed action, including
commodities transported, the planned disposition (if any) of any rail line and other
structures that may be involved, and any possible changes in current operations or
maintenance practices. Also describe any reasonable alternatives to the proposed action.
Include a readable, detailed map and drawings clearly delineating the project.
BNSF seeks to abandon this Line. The proposed abandonment may
include removal of all rails and ties. There are no bridges on the Line and BNSF
is aware of no other structures on the Line. A map of the Line is attached as
Exhibit A.
(2) Transportation System : Describe the effect of the proposed action on
regional or local transportation systems and patterns. Estimate the amount of traffic
(passenger or freight) that will be diverted to other transportation systems or modes as a
result of the proposed action.
The proposed abandonment will have no effect on existing transportation
systems or patterns as there has been no local traffic on the Line for over two
years and there is no overhead traffic to be rerouted.
(3) Land Use
(i) Based on consultation with local and/or regional planning agencies
and/or review of the official planning documents prepared by such agencies, state
whether the proposed action is consistent with existing land use plans. Describe
any inconsistencies.
BNSF believes the proposed abandonment will not be inconsistent with
local or regional land use plans. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
IDPR") indicates it supports making the proposed abandoned BNSF line into a
rail-trail." The IDPR further states:
The corridor would connect the North Idaho Centennial (Trail) which
starts in Spokane, Washington, to it's proposed end at the Coeur d' Alene
Parkway State Park. The corridor is a critical link for alternate
transportation between communities. The City of Coeur d' Alene will be
the lead agency in negotiating acquisition from BNSF but IDPR is
interested if local agencies need assistance. IDPR does have grants
available for such purposes but the earliest work or acquisition would be
in June of2007. Acquisition of this trail link (is) one of the most
important trail projects in the State ofldaho. Because of population
growth in Post Falls and Coeur d' Alene, new trail opportunities are needed
to connect the new and old sub-divisions to parks, schools and business
districts.
See Exhibit B, electronic correspondence from Leo Hennessy, Non-Motorized
Trails Coordinator, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("IPUC") indicates it is required to
schedule a hearing on the proposed abandonment and provides information as to
the hearing process. See Exhibit C, letter from the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission.
Also, the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") indicates: "Although the
S. Bureau of Land Management does not have any formal jurisdiction in this
matter, we do philosophically support the proposed abandonment of this portion
ofBNSF rail line." See Exhibit D, electronic correspondence from Eric
Thomson, Field Manager, Coeur d' Alene Field Office , Bureau of Land
Management.
Finally, the City of Coeur d' Alene also indicates it supports the proposed
abandonment. See Exhibit E, letter from Michael C. Gridley, Coeur d' Alene City
Attorney.
(ii) Based on consultation with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, state
the effect ofthe proposed action on any prime agriculture land.
The proposed abandonment should have no effect on prime agricultural
lands. The Natural Resources Conservation Service ("NRCS") (formerly known
as the U.S. Soil Conservation Service) indicates
, "
the proposed action by the
BNSF Railroad Company is not subject to the Farmland Policy Act." NRCS
further indicates
, "
The proposed action does not convert existing or potential
cropland to permanent non-agricultural use." See Exhibit F, letter from Richard
Sims, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
(iii) If any action affects land or water uses within a designated coastal
zone, include the coastal zone information required by ~ 1105.
N/A
(iv) If the proposed action is an abandonment, state whether or not the
right-of-way is suitable for alternative public use under 49 U.C. ~ 10906 and
explain why.
BNSF believes the proposed abandonment may be suitable for alternative
public use. As noted above, the IDPR indicates it supports making the proposed
abandoned BNSF line into a "rail-trail." See Exhibit B , electronic
correspondence from Leo Hennessy, Non-Motorized Trails Coordinator, Idaho
Department of Parks and Recreation.
Also, as noted above, the IPUC indicates it is required to schedule a
hearing on the proposed abandonment and provides information as to the hearing
process. See Exhibit C, letter from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
The BLM indicates: "Although the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
does not have any formal jurisdiction in this matter, we do philosophically
support the proposed abandonment of this portion ofBNSF rail line." See Exhibit
, electronic correspondence from Eric Thomson, Field Manager, Coeur d' Alene
Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.
Finally, the City of Coeur d' Alene also indicates it supports the proposed
abandonment. See Exhibit E, letter from Michael C. Gridley, Coeur d' Alene City
Attorney.
(4) Enerey
(i) Describe the effect of the proposed action on transportation of energy
resources.
There are no known recoverable energy resources along the Line. There
has been no local traffic on the Line for over two years and there is no overhead
traffic to be rerouted.
(ii) Describe the effect of the proposed action on recyclable commodities.
This abandonment will not adversely affect movement or recovery of
recyclable commodities as there has been no local traffic on the Line for over two
years and there is no overhead traffic to be rerouted.
(iii) State whether the proposed action will result in an increase or
decrease in overall energy efficiency and explain why.
This abandonment will not result in an increase or decrease in overall
energy efficiency as there has been no local traffic on the Line for over two years
and there is no overhead traffic to be rerouted.
(iv) If the proposed action will cause diversions from rail to motor carriage
of more than:
(A) 1 000 rail carloads a year, or
(B) An average of 50 rail carloads per mile per year for any part of
the affected line, quantify the resulting net change in the energy
consumption and show the data and methodology used to arrive at the
figure given.
There will be no diversions of traffic as there has been no local traffic on
the Line for over two years and there is no overhead traffic to be rerouted.
(5) Air
(i) If the proposed action will result in either:
(A) An increase in rail traffic of at least 100% (measured in gross
ton miles annually) or an increase of at least eight trains a day on any
segment of the line effected by the proposed, or
(B) An increase in rail yard activity of at least 100% (measured by
carload activity), or
(C) An average increase in truck traffic of more than 10% of the
average daily traffic or 50 vehicles a day on any affected road segment
quantify the anticipated effect on air emissions.
The action will not result in meeting or exceeding the specified thresholds.
Moreover, the action will not involve an increase in truck traffic of more than
10% or 50 vehicles a day on any affected road segment as there has been no local
traffic on the Line for over two years and there is no overhead traffic to be
rerouted.
(ii) If the proposed action affects a Class I or nonattainment area under the
Clean Air Act, and will result in either:
(A) An increase in rail traffic of at least 50% (measured in gross
ton miles annually) or an increase of at least three trains a day on any
segment of rail line, or
(B) An increase in rail yard activity of at least 20% (measured by
carload activity), or
(C) An average increase in truck traffic or more than 10% of the
average daily traffic of 50 vehicles a day on a given road segment, then
state whether any expected increased emissions are within the parameters
established by State Implementation Plan. However, for a rail
construction under 49 U.C. ~ 10901 (or 49 U.C. ~ 10505) or in a case
involving the reinstitution of service over a previously abandoned line
only the three trains a day threshold in this item shall apply.
The action will not result in meeting or exceeding the specified thresholds.
Moreover, the proposed abandonment will not result in an increase of rail or truck
traffic as there has been no local traffic on the Line for over two years and there is
no overhead traffic to be rerouted.
(iii) If the transportation of ozone depleting materials (such as nitrogen
oxide and Freon) is contemplated, identify: the materials and quantity; the
frequency of service; safety practices (including any speed restrictions); the
applicant's safety record (to the extent available) on derailments, accidents and
spills; contingency plans to deal with accidental spills; and the likelihood of an
accidental release of ozone depleting materials in the event of a collision or
derailment.
The proposed abandonment will not affect the transportation of ozone
depleting materials.
(6) Noise : If any of the thresholds identified in item (5) (i) of this section are
surpassed, state whether the proposed action will cause:
(i) An incremental increase in noise levels of three decibels Ldn or more
N/A
(ii) An increase to a noise level of 65 decibels Ldn or greater. If so
identify sensitive receptors (e.g. schools, libraries, hospitals, residences
retirement communities and nursing homes) in the project area and quantify the
noise increase for those receptors if the thresholds are surpassed.
N/A
(7) Safety
(i) Describe any effects of the proposed action on public health and safety
(including vehicle delay time at railroad crossings).
This abandonment should have no adverse effect on health or public
safety. There are three (3) public crossings and no private crossings on the Line.
During salvage operations, if any may be required, precautions will betaken to
ensure public safety, and contractors will be required to satisfy all applicable
health and safety laws and regulations.
(ii) If hazardous materials are expected to be transported, identify: the
materials and quantity; the frequency of service; whether chemicals are being
transported that, if mixed, could react to fonn more hazardous compounds; safety
practices (including any speed restrictions); the applicant's safety record (to the
extent available) on derailments, accidents and hazardous spills; the contingency
plans to deal with accidental spills, and the likelihood of and accidental release of
hazardous materials.
The abandonment will not result in the transportation of hazardous
materials.
(iii) If there are any known hazardous waste site or sites where there have
been known hazardous materials spills on the right-of-way, identify the location
of those sites and the types of hazardous materials involved.
There are no known hazardous waste site or sites where there have been
known hazardous material spills on the right-of-way.
(8) Bioloeical Resources
(i) Based on consultation with the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state
whether the proposed action is likely to adversely affect endangered or threatened
species or areas designated as a critical habitat, and if so , describe the effects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates
, "
based on the project
alignment depicted on the map included with the letter, we do not anticipate
project-related effects to threatened or endangered species." See Exhibit G
electronic correspondence from Suzanne Audet, Section 7 and Recovery
Programs Branch Chief, Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
(ii) State whether wildlife sanctuaries or refuges, National or State parks
or forests will be affected, and describe any effects.
The National Park Service ("NPS") indicates "in comparing your map
with a detailed map of the City of Coeur d' Alene, (we) can find no federal park
wildlife refuge, or other category of federal holding along the rail corridor." See
Exhibit H, electronic correspondence from Greg Gress, Chief, Land Resources
Program Center, Pacific West Region, National Park Service.
Also, BLM indicates it is "familiar with the extent and impact of this
portion ofBNSF's service area and cannot identify any impacts to Threatened or
Endangered Animal, Plant, or Fish Species covered under The Endangered
Species Act." See Exhibit E, electronic correspondence from Eric Thomson
Field Manager, Coeur d' Alene Field Office , Bureau of Land Management.
(9) Water
(i) Based on consultation with State water quality officials, state whether
the proposed action is consistent with applicable Federal, State or local
water quality standards. Describe any inconsistencies.
BNSF believes the proposed exemption will be consistent with applicable
Federal, State or local water quality standards. The Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality ("IDEQ") states "it does not appear the proposed
abandonment will take place in or near waters of the State ofIdaho. As such, the
proposed abandonment appears to be consistent with state water quality standards.
See Exhibit I, letter from Ed Tulloch, Regional Water Quality Manager, Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality.
Also, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EP A") indicates:
Based on our field observations , and the information provided in your letter, we
believe that physical activities associated with the proposed abandonment should
1 0
have no effect on water quality and will not require a permit under Section 402 of
the federal Clean Water Act." See Exhibit J, letter from Clifford J. Villa,
Assistant Regional Counsel, Region 10, United States Environmental Protection
Agency.
(ii) Based on consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state
whether permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.C. ~ 1344) are
required for the proposed action and whether any designated wetlands or 100-year
flood plains will be affected. Describe the effects.
BNSF believes the proposed abandonment will not require a Section 404
permit. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps ) states: "In your letter you
state the project does not involve the discharge of dredged or fill material in any
waterways. The proposed work would include the removal of bridges and
structures and track materials such as rail ties, but the roadbed would be left
intacto Based on this, a Department of the Army permit is not required." See
Exhibit K, letter from Gregg Rayner, Regulatory Project Manager, Walla Walla
District, Army Corps of Engineers.
BNSF believes the proposed abandonment will not affect any 100-year
flood plains. The Corps indicates: "A local floodplain management ordinance
may have been adopted by the local city or county zoning office under the
National Flood Insurance Program. You should contact them regarding any
approvals or permits they may require for your project." See Exhibit K, letter
from Gregg Rayner, Regulatory Project Manager, Walla Walla District, Army
Corps of Engineers.
Consistent with the Corps' suggestion , we had already contacted the City
of Coeur d' Alene Engineering Department, and they responded to our inquiry as
to whether any 100-year floodplains would be affected by the proposed
abandonment by simply sending a copy of the corresponding portion of the
FEMA floodplain map. See Exhibit L, letter from Gordon Dobler, City Engineer
City ofCoeur d' Alene Engineering Department.
(iii) State whether permits under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33
c. ~ 1342) are required for the proposed action. (Applicants should contact
the u.s. Environmental Protection Agency or the state environmental protection
or equivalent agency if they are unsure whether such permits are required).
BNSF believes a Section 402 permit will not be required for the proposed
action. The EP A indicates that "physical activities associated with the proposed
abandonment should have no effect on water quality and will not require a permit
under Section 402 of the federal Clean Water Act." See Exhibit J, letter from
Clifford J. Villa, Assistant Regional Counsel, Region 10, United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
(10) Proposed Mjtj2atjon : Describe any actions that are proposed to mitigate
adverse environmental impacts, indicating why the proposed mitigation is
appropriate
The project itself should mitigate the environmental effects of reinstating
active rail operations.
HISTORIC REPORT
(49 C.R. 1105.
Applicants hereby submit the following information required by 49 C.R.~
1l05.8(d):
(1) A USG.S topographic map (or an alternate map drawn to scale and
sufficiently detailed to show buildings and other structures in the vicinity of
the proposed action) showing the location of the proposed action, and the
locations and approximate dimensions of railroad structures that are 50
years old or older and are part of the proposed action;
The required topographic map is attached to this Report as Exhibit A.
(2) A written description of the right-of-way (including approximate widths, to the
extent known), and the topography and urban and/or rural characteristics of
the surrounding area;
The trackage is approximately 2.12 miles in length and is located within
the city ofCoeur d' Alene, ID. The land in the area of the trackage is urban in
nature. The land in the adjoining area is timbered and includes rural homes. The
right of way varies from 20 to 55 feet in width.
In 2000, Coeur d' Alene had a population of 34 514.
There is one parcel of federally granted right of way within the corridor.
(3) Good quality photographs (actual photographic prints, not photocopies) of
railroad structures on the property that are 50 years old or older and of the
immediately surrounding area;
There are no railroad structures on the property that are 50 years old or
older.
(4) The daters) of construction of the structure(s), and the daters) and extent of
any major alterations, to the extent such information is known;
N/A
(5) A brief narrative history of carrier operations in the area, and an
explanation of what, if any, changes are contemplated as a result of the
proposed action;
The Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific Railroad (MIL W) acquired
parts of the right of way in 1875, 1904, 1906, 1909 1917 and 1958. The MIL W
went bankrupt in 1980 and the former Burlington Northern Railroad (BN)
purchased former MIL W trackage at Coeur d' Alene , ID in 1981. In 1995 , the
former BN merged with The Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) to
become The Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway (BNSF). In 2005, BNSF
changed its name to BNSF Railway.
The Coeur d' Alene & Spokane Railway purchased part of the right of way
in 1903. In 1906, the Coeur d' Alene & Spokane Railway was absorbed into the
Spokane & Inland Empire Railway. During 1906, additional right of way was
acquired as well as in 1917. In 1919, the Spokane & Inland Empire Railway was
spilt into the Spokane & Eastern Railway and the Inland Empire Railway. In
1927, both the former railroads were purchased by the Great Northern Railway
(GN) and operated as the Spokane, Coeur d' Alene and Palouse Railway. The
railroads were merged into GN in 1943. GN was merged into BN in 1970. BN
and ATSF merged in 1995 to become BNSF. BNSF changed its name to BNSF
Railway in 2005.
(6) A brief summary of documents in the carrier s possession, such as
engineering drawings, that might be useful in documenting a structure
that is found to be historic;
Documents in BNSF's possession concerning this abandonment
may include alignment maps showing the right-of-way and/or station
maps. Such documents are too large for practical reproduction in this
report, but can be furnished upon request, if they are available.
(7) An opinion (based on readily available information in the railroad'
possession) as to whether the site and/or structures meet the criteria for
listing on the National Register of Historic Places (36 CFR 60.4), and
whether there is a likelihood of archeological resources or any other
previously unknown historic properties in the project area, and the basis for
these opinions (including any consultations with the State Historic
Preservation Office, local historical societies or universities);
The Idaho State Historical Society ("SHPO") has reviewed the project
and made several findings: (1) Section 106 Evaluation: "No additional
investigations are recommended; project can proceed as planned; (2)
Identification of Historic Properties (36 CFR 800.4): "No historic properties
were identified within the project area " and No historic properties will be
affected within the project area ; and (3) "We believe that (the) abandonment
will have no effect on historic properties." See Exhibit M, letter from Susan
Pengilly Neitzel, Compliance Coordinator and Deputy SHPO, State Historic
Preservation Office.
(8) A description (based on readily available information in the railroad'
possession) of any known prior subsurface ground disturbance or fill,
environmental conditions (naturally occurring or manmade) that might affect the
archeological recovery of resources (such as swampy conditions or the presence
of toxic wastes), and the surrounding terrain.
There are no known prior subsurface ground disturbance or fill
environmental conditions that might affect the archeological recovery of
resources and the surrounding terrain.
Respectfully submitted,
2:-
y L. STRICKLAND,
ABETH E. WAITE
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES
3050 K Street, N., Suite 101
Washington, DC 20007
[phone]
Attorneys for BNSF Railway Company
DATED: May 24, 2006
lighl
NORTH
-\\)
10'-, ~ \2-
---
LINE SEGMENTS 375, 381 AND 382
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EXHIBIT C Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 13, 2006
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COl\1:MISSION
IN THE MATTER OF BNSF RAIL \" A Y
COMPANY'S INTENT TO ABANDON 2.
MILES OF RAILROAD LINE IN COEUR
D' ALENE, IDAHO
CASE NO. BNR-06-
NOTICE OF INTENT TO
ABANDON
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION
DEADLINE
The Public Utilities Commission has recently learned that BNSF Railway Compa.'1Y
intends to file an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to abandon 2.12 miles
of railroad right-of-way in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The STB is the entity of the U.S. Department
of Transportation authorized to grant or deny rail line abandonments. The rail line in question
once served the Potlatch Mill location that is now The Coeur d' Alene Golf Resort.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ABANDON
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that BNSF indicates that it will file a petition
seeking an abandonment "exemption" with the STB. To be eligible to file a petition for
exemption, a railroad must usually certify that no rail traffic has moved on the line for the past
two years and there are no outstanding complaints about the lack of rail service. Under the
exemption procedure, the STB will publish a notice in the Federal Register within 20 days after
the petition for exemption is filed. Thirty (30) days after the notice is published in the Federal
Register, the railroad is permitted to abandon the rail line unless the STB stays the abandonment.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the rail line and right-of-way in question run
between milepost (MP) 12.33 and MP 14.45 within the city limits of Coeur d' Alene. The section
of right-of-way being proposed for abandonment generally runs from the Coeur d' Alene City
Park adjacent to Northwest Boulevard, across the front of The Coeur d' Alene Resort, down East
Front Avenue, follows East Mullan Avenue, and terminates at The Coeur d'Alene Golf Resort.
The Commission Staffs initial information about the affected right-of-way indicates that the
majority of the track was removed in the 1980s. Consequently, there are no shippers on the line.
A map of the rail section to be abandoned is attached.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ABANDON
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the abandonment of rail lines and the
discontinuance of rail service are governed by federal law. As this Commission has stated many
times, the authority to grant or deny the abandonment of a rail line rests with the SIB. Idaho
Code ~ 62...424 requires the Public Utilities Commission to schedule a hearing on the proposed
abandonment. The purpose of the hearing is for the Commission to determine whether the
abandonment would: (1) adversely affect the area being served; (2) impair the access of Idaho
shippers to vital goods and markets; and (3) whether the rail line has potential for profitability.
the Commission finds that the abandonment would be adverse to the public interest, then it may
represent the State of Idaho in the STB abandonment proceeding.
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to intervene in this matter
for the purpose of presenting evidence must file a Petition to Intervene with the Commission
pursuant to this Commission s Rules of Procedure 72 and 73, IDAP A 31.01.01.072 and -073.
Persons intending to intervene must file a Petition to Intervene on or before April 26, 2006.
Persons seeking intervenor status shall also provide the Commission Secretary with their
electronic mail address to facilitate further communications in this matter.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to present their views
without parties' rights of participation and cross-examination are not required to intervene and
may present their comments v,rithout prior notification to the Commission or the parties.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Titles 61 and 62 of the Idaho Code and
specifically Idaho Code ~ 62-424.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 el seq.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ABANDON
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
DA TE at Boise, Idaho this 13~day of April 2006.
iil:(ic4~ PAVE KJELI..:AN R, PRESIDENT
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
lea . J~\'ell ' v
Commission Secretary
blslN :BNR-O6-0 1- dh
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ABANDON
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION DEADLINE
(")
-0'
LINE SEGMENTS 375, 381 AND 382
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EXHIBIT D
Home Book Options Logout sername: Li.
(liz. wa ite(Q)stri
Message
R~i~jj;2jfil lD Delete permanently
From:Eric Thomson(Qiblm.qov
To: Ill. waite(Qjstrickla nd pllc.com
Subject:Proposed Abandonment of BNSF Coeur d'Alene Reach
Date:09-May-06 12:07 PM
Delet
~~BiV~1~;0;i~~~1
~~~~
In Line Text
, "
III'
..:::
PreviReply To All
The U.S. Bureau of land Management is in receipt of the proposed
abandonment action regarding the southern most portion of the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe railroad line servicing the southern part of the City of
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We are familiar with the extent and impact of this
portion of BNSF's service area and cannot identify any impacts to
Threatened or Endangered Animal, Plant or Fish Species covered under The
Endangered Species Act.
Although the U.S. Bureau of land Management does not have any formal
jurisdiction in this matter we do philosophically support the proposed
abandonment of this portion of BNSF rail line.
Eric Thomson, Field Manager
Coeur d'Alene Field Office
(Acting on Behalf of
lew Brown , District Manager, Coeur d'Alene District)
http://mymail.websitepros.com/Mail/MailView.cfm?Id=1 7345 003&Nr= &maxNr=3 3 5/9/2006
EXHIBIT E
CITY OF COEUR D'ALENE
! LEGAL DEPARTMENT CITY HALL, 710 E. MULLAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814
[phone] - FAX [phone]
www.cdaid.org
March 10, 2006
Mr. Stephen M. Kuzma
Manager - Real Estate
BNSF Railway
2500 Lou Menk Drive, AOB3
Ft. Worth, TX 76131-2830
VIA E-mail: Stephen.Kuzma(illbnsf.com
RE:Coeur d'Alene, Idaho abandonment MP 8.9 to 14.45
Dear Steve:
I am writing to follow up on our discussion this week regarding abandonment issues in Coeur
Alene. Based on the complexity of the issues involved it makes sense to immediately proceed
with the abandonment of the BNSF line from MP 14.45 to MP 12.33 while proceeding to gather
information and work through the issues involved with the abandonment from MP 12.33 to 8.
By this letter the City requests and fully supports the commencement of abandonment proceedings
from MP 14.45 to MP 12.33. This is probably the most efficient way to accomplish the donation
of the library pieces that we have been discussing. Please ask your Legal Department to provide
me with copies of all notices and filings related to this abandonment. Also please let me know if
there is anything we need to do to support the abandonment.
In the meantime I will begin gathering information regarding the ownership of the property from
MP 12.33 to MP 8.9. If you have any information regarding ownership ofthis section I would
appreciate getting a copies of it. I will also check the milepost numbers to make sure that MP 8.
includes the Huetter Road crossing. We will also be meeting with Andrew Miller of Stimson
Lumber Company to discuss his company s support for this abandonment. Please call me if you
have any questions or comments. Thank you for your assistance.
Michael C. Gridley
City Attorney
United States Department of Agriculture EXHIBIT F
~NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, ID 83709-1574
March 30, 2006
Sidney L. Strickland, Jr.
Sidney L. Strickland and Associates, PLLC
3050 K St. N.W. Suite 101
Washington, D.c. 20007-5108
Dear Mr. Strickland:
We received your request for information concerning lands subject to the Farmland Protection
Policy Act as part of the BNSF Railroad Companies application to abandon a 2. 12-mile rail line
located between milepost 12.33 and milepost 14.45, near Coeur d' Alene in Kootenai County,
Idaho.
The stated purpose of the Farmland Protection Policy Act as published in the Federal Register on
June 17 1994; (Volume 59, No. 116) is to protect farmland from being irrevocably converted
from actual or potential use to a permanent nonagricultural use.
After a careful review of your request, it is our feeling that the proposed action by the BNSF
Railroad Company is not subject to the Farmland Protection Policy Act. The proposed action
does not convert existing or potential cropland to a permanent non-agriculture use.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this proposed action. If you have any questions
feel free to contact Hal Swenson, Assistant State Soil Scientist for NRCS in Idaho. Hal's
telephone number is 208-378-5728 or e-mail at Ha1.Swenson(illid.usda.gov.
\~~ ~~
RICHARD SIMS
State Conservationist
cc:David Hoover, State Soil Scientist, NRCS, Boise SO
Hal K. Swenson, Assistant State Soil Scientist, NRCS , Boise SO
Bob Tribelhorn, Assistant State Conservationist, NRCS , Moscow - Operations West
Mark Addy, District Conservationist, NRCS , Coeur d' Alene , ID
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment,
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
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p~!fjj~1 1D Delete permanently
From:Greo Gress(1!)nps.Oov
To:liz. waite(1!)stricklandpllc.com
Subject:DC attorney question regarding a 24 March 2006 letter to NPS on rail abando
Date: 15-May-06 09:49 AM
Delet
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Hi Liz
I received your faxed copy of the subject letter on Friday, May 12th, and
have reviewed the letter and its attached map. In comparing your map with
a detailed map of the City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, I can find no federal
park, wildlife refuge, or other category of federal land holding along the
rail corridor described in the letter.
If you have futher questions, please contact Michael Linde at 206/220-4113.
Sincerely,
Greg
Gregory F. Gress
Chief, Pacific Land Resources Program Center
Pacific West Region , National Park Service
510/817-1414 tel.
510/817-1482 fax
greg_gress~nps.gov
----- Forwarded by Greg Gress/OAKLAND/NPS on 05/15/2006 06:39 AM -----
Greg Gress
To: Michael Linde/Seattle/NPS~NPS
05/08/200602:02 cc: Barbara Rice/OAKLAND/NPS~NPS, Peg
PM PDT Henderson/OAKLAND/NPS~NPS
Subject: DC attorney question regarding a 24 March 2006
letter to NPS on rail abandonment
Hi Michael
I received a call today from an Ian Thomas (202/338-1325), an attorney in
Washington , DC, who represents a railroad company in a railroad
right-of-way abandonment action. He says he sent us (NPS) a notice of an
abandonment by letter dated March 24, 2006 , and was asking if we had
received it, and if we had a response. I told him that I didn t recall
seeing the letter, but I may have forwarded it to your office. Since this
is out of my area of expertise , perhaps you could follow-up directly with
Mr. Thomas.
http://mymail.websitepros.com/Mail/MaiIView.cfm?Id=1764217l &Nr=2&maxNr=13 5/15/2006
(WebMail) : WebMail
Search all folders
Search Inbox
.......,........,\.' ,;.'.'
~aJ
j8~1
Advanced Search
Thanks,
Greg
Gregory F. Gress
Chief, Pacific land Resources Program Center
Pacific West Region , National Park Service
510/817-1414 tel.
510/817-1482 fax
greg_gress~nps.gov
http://mvmail.websitepros.comlMaillMailView.cfm?Id=17642171 &Nr=2&maxNr=13
Page 2 of 2
5/15/2006
EXHIBIT I
STATE OF IDAHO
DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
----------------------. ------ -..- -, ,......---,.._---"--_.._------,-....------
2110 Ironwood Parkway. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814-2648. [phone] Dirk Kempthorne, Governor
Toni Hardesty, Director
April 7, 2006
Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC
3050 K St. N.W., Suite 101
Washington, DC 20007-5108
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company- Abandonment
Exemption-in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Strickland:
In response to your letter dated March 24, 2006, and based upon the information
presented, it does not appear the proposed abandonment will take place in or near waters
of the State ofldaho. As such, the proposed action appears to be consistent with state
water quality standards. In the State ofldaho, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
has primacy for the NPDES permit program, and you will need to contact that agency for
further information regarding NPDES permit requirements.
If you have further questions, please feel to contact me.
Sincerely,
ZJt
Ed Tulloch
Regional Water Quality Manager
EXHIBIT J
~frJ S1:1ft \
~~~~,!
"'~, _c"'PRO'~
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 1 0
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
May 10 , 2006
Reply to
Attn Of: ORC-158
Sidney L. Strickland, Jr.
Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC
3050 K St. NW, Suite 101
Washington, D.C. 20007-5108
Re:STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company
Abandonment Exemption - in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Strickland:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received and
considered your letter to us dated March 24, 2006, concerning the railroad
abandonment matter referenced above. We have prepared and submitted this letter
In response.
This matter involves a proposed abandonment of a railroad right-of-way
within the City ofCoeur d'Alene, Idaho. This right-of-way happens to pass near
our EP A field office within Coeur d' Alene , allowing for our field staff to observe
the right-of-way directly. Based on our field observations, and the infonnation
provided in your letter, we believe that physical activities associated with the
proposed abandonment should have no effect on water quality and will not require
a permit under Section 402 of the federal Clean Water Act.
If this right-of-way proceeds forward with the fonnal abandonment process
please provide us with a copy of the required Environmental Report, including
analytical data if any samples are taken of soil or other media within or from the
right-of-way. Any further reports or infonnation should be directed to my
attention at the address above.
Thank you for your inquiry in this matter. If you have any questions
concerning this letter or EP A's role in the railroad abandonment process
please feel free to call me at [phone].
?JJi!f. 41Clifford J. Villa
Assistant Regional Counsel
"' ~
EXHIBIT K
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WALLA WALLA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
COEUR D'ALENE REGULATORY OFFICE
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST BUILDING
3815 SCHREIBER WAY
COEUR D'ALENE ID 83815.8362
April 20, 2006
Regulatory Division
SUBJECT: NWWNo. 061200072
Mr. Sidney L. Strickland, Jr.
Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC
3050 K St. N., Suite 101
Washington, District of Columbia 20007-5108
Dear Mr. Strickland:
This concerns BNSF Railway Company s (BNSF) proposed abandonment of2.12 miles of
railroad line near Coeur d'Alene Lake in the city of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. This project was the
subject of your March 24, 2006 letter.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.C. 1344) requires a Department ofthe Army
permit be obtained for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.
This includes most perennial and intermittent rivers and streams, natural and man-made lakes
and ponds, and wetlands, as well as irrigation and drainage canals and ditches that are tributaries
to other waters.
In your letter you state the project does not involve the discharge of dredged or fill material
in any waterways. The proposed work would include the removal of bridges and structures and
track materials such as rail ties, but the roadbed would be left intact. Based on this a Department
of the Army pennit is not required. If there are any changes to the plans as described in your
letter, referenced above, and the change includes the discharge of dredged or fill material in
waters ofthe United States, including wetlands, a permit will be required and BNSF must contact
us before starting work.
This determination applies only to Department of the Army permits administered by the
Corps of Engineers. Your project may require permits from other Federal, state, and local
agencIes.
A local floodplain management ordinance may have been adopted by the local city or county
zoning office under the National Flood Insurance Program. You should contact them regarding
any approvals or permits they may require for your project.
",,' ";
Weare interested in your thoughts and opinions concerning the quality of service you received
from the Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Regulatory Division. If you have futernet access
and are interested in letting us know how we are doing, you can complete an electronic version of
our Customer Service Survey form on our web site at:
http://per2.nwp.usace.army.mil/survey.html which will be automatically submitted to us.
Alternatively, you may call us and request that we mail you a paper copy of the survey that you may
complete and return to us by mail or fax.
Please contact me at 208-765-7256 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,~t1~
Greg~ fI... Rayner
Regulatory Project Manager
- ,
CITY OF COEUR D'ALENE
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CITY HALL, 710 E. MULLAN
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83816-3964
208n69-2285 - FAX 208n69-2284
EXHIBIT L
April 4, 2006
Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC
3050 K St. N., Suite 101
Washington, DC 20007-5108
Attn: Mr. Sidney Strickland, Jr.
Re: Abandonment ofBNSF Railroad
Dear Mr. Strickland:
In response to your request for flood plain information related to the abandonment of a portion ofBNSF
railroad from Milepost 12.33 to Milepost 14.45, I am sending you a copy of the corresponding portion of
the FEMA flood plain map. It is taken from Panel Number 160078 0005C, revised July 17, 1995. Please
contact me if I cal be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Gordon Dobler, City Engineer.
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FRONT
CHICAGO MILWAUKEE
ST PAUL AND PACIFIC
PINE AVENUE
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IDAHO STATE
HISTORICAL.. SOCIETY.
Dirk Kempthome
Governor ofidaho
Steve Guerber
Executive Director
Administration
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712-8250
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Archaeological Survey of Idaho
210 Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702-7264
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Historical Museum and
Education Programs
610 North Julia Davis Drive
Boise, Idaho 83702-7695
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Hisloric Preservatiou Office
210 Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702-7264
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Historic Sites Office
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712-8254
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Public Archives and
Research Lihra')'
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712-8250
Puhlic Archives
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Research Library
[phone]
Oral Histo')'
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
EXHIBIT M
DATE: April 21 , 2006
TO: Sidney Strickland, Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC
FEDERAL AGENCY: STB
PROJECT NAME: Abandonment of2.12 Miles ofBNSF Railroad in Coeur
d' Alene, Idaho
Section 106 Evaluation
The field work and documentation presented in this report meet the Secretary of the
Interior s Standards.
No additional inveshgations are recommended; project can proceed as planned.
Additional infonnation is required to complete the project reyjew. (See comments.
Additional investigations are recommended. (See comments.
t"fi (36 CFR 800 4)fHO . Pen I Ica Ion 0 Istonc roper les
No historic properties were identified within the project area.
Property is not eligible.Reason:
Property is listed in National Register of Historic Places.
Property is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Criterion:Context for evaluation:
No historic properties will be affected within project area.
Assessment of Adverse Effects (36 CFR 800.5):
Project will have no adverse effect on historic properties.
Project will have adverse effect on historic properties;further consultation
recommended.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Suzi Neitzel at 208-334-3847.
Comments:
We believe that abandonment will have no effect on historic properties.
.- '; /"
V~9t/vLl ti~J...L f Jc'-~i--f
Susan Pengilly'Neit
Compliance Coordinator and Deputy SHPO
State Historic Preservation Office
April 21, 2006
Date
The Idaho State Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 49 c.F.R.ll05.7(c) and 8(c)
BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), by and through its authorized representative Sidney L.
Strickland, Jr., certifies that on May 24, 2006, BNSF sent copies of the foregoing Environmental
and Historic Reports by first class mail to the following agencies:
Richard Sims
State Conservationist
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite C
Boise, ID 83709
Susan Pengilly Neitzel
Compliance Coordinator and Deputy SHPO
Idaho State Historical Society
201 Main Street
Suite 250
Boise, ID 83702
Administrator
Department of Environmental Quality
O. Box 83720
1410 North Hilton
Boise, ill 83706-1255
Gregg Rayner
Regulatory Project Manager
S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
Idaho Panhandle National Forest Building
3815 Schreiber Way
Coeur d' Alene, Idaho 83814-8363
S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Region 1
Eastside Federal Complex
911 NE 11 th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-4181
Lew Brown, District Manager
S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Coeur d'Alene Field Office
1808 North Third Street
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814-3407
Robert L. Meinen
Director
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0065
Gordon Dobler
Coeur d' Alene Engineering Department
710 East Mullan Ave.
Coeur d' Alene ID , 83814
Kootenai Board of County Commissioners
451 Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Robert Linkhart
Idaho Transportation Department
33 11 W. State Street
O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Greg Gress
Chief, Pacific West Region
S. National Park Service
Pacific West Region
One Jackson Center
1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
Clifford J. Villa
Assistant Regional Counsel
S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, W A 98101
Idaho Fish and Game
Panhandle Region
2885 W. Kathleen Ave.
Coeurd'Alene, ill 83815
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Geodetic Survey
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Springs, MD 20910-3282
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Suzanne Audet
S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 7 and Recovery Programs Branch Chief
Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office
11103 E. Montgomery Drive
Spokane, W A 99206
Ed Tulloch
Regional Water Quality Manager
Department of Environmental Quality
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d'Alene, ill 83814-2648
Michael C. Gridley
City Attorney
City Hall, 710 Mullan Avenue
Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814
Ms. Victoria Rutson
Chief, SEA
Surface Transportation Board
1925 K Street, N.
Washington D.C. 20423-0001
The required cover letters (pursuant to 49 c.F.R. 1105.11) are attached hereto. BNSF has
consulted with all appropriate agencies in preparing the reports.
'
Sidne . Strickland, Jr.
Si ey Strickland and Associates p C
3050 K St, N.
Suite 101
Washington, D.C. 20007
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, IR-
S idnev. Stri cklandilV.stricklandD II c. com
May 24, 2006
Ms. Victoria Rutson
Chief, SEA
Surface Transportation Board
1925 K Street, N.
Washington D.C. 20423-0001
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Ms. Rutson:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected enviromnental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
SinC~IY,
... (", ~ /~
~ Stri~kl;';'d , ir,
Enclosure
SLS/eew
5TB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, IR-
S i dnev . S tri ck I andiW.stri ck 1 an d D lie. com
May 24, 2006
Michael C. Gridley
City Attorney
City Hall, 710 Mullan Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Gridley:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on fiJing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub, No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadJines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N.W" Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sin
oe~y
. //
,~;f(Z.
~--
.) 7.//1:
. Sidned. Strickland, Jr.
,// /
Enef'Osure
SLS/eew
STB Docker No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L STIUCKLAND, IR-
S idnev. S tri ckl anduvstri ck I and D II c. com
May 24, 2006
Ed Tulloch
Regional Water Quality Manager
Department of Environmental Quality
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d' Alene , ID 83814-2648
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Tulloch:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the infonnation that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
:~ ~,.. -/ ~j/p ///
-- C -d~'1.-AI4..-~
/ /
i"! /
. Sidn~, Strickland, Jr.
Enclosure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY 1... STRICKLAND, IR.
Si dnev" S tri ckl an dilpstri c kl andD ) 1 c. com
May 24, 2006
Suzanne Audet
S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 7 and Recovery Programs Branch Chief
Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office
11103 E. Montgomery Drive
Spokane, WA 99206
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Ms. Audet:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as weB as a
map of the affected area.
Weare providing these reports so that you may review the information that wilJ form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB' s environmental review process , please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001, Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N. W., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sinc~~ly, i
/? /~
---dl~
/. /
~triCkland' Jr. .
Enclosure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, IR.
S idnev .Strickland((/)stricklandDllc. com
May 24, 2006
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
Weare providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the infonnation is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub, No. 441X), Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Since
~,
7:P::/J~. . Sidney . Strickland, Jr. En sure
- LS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON. DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, IR.
S i dilev . Stri cklandrpstrickl andD II c. com
May 24, 2006
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Geodetic Survey
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Springs, MD 20910-3282
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area,
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub, No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments wiJI be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Z' ;2 ~/I
- S~lTiCkland, Jr.
j;;J,Enclosure
SLS/eew
STB Docke1 No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 44JX)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. SmcKLAND, IR.
S idnev. StricklandiW.strickl andDIJ c.com
May 24, 2006
Idaho Fish and Game
Panhandle Region
2885 W. Kathleen Ave.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Compan~
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB' s environmental review process , please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001, Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. lfthere are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
. Sinc~lY, .
~ ~
Sidne . Strickland, Jr. c osure
//
SLS/eew
STB Docket No, AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, JR.
S iditev. StrickIandi'Q)stri ckl andDlI c.com
May 24, 2006
Clifford J. Villa
Assistant Regional Counsel
S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Villa:
On or about June 13,2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action, If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely I.
. /'. ~. ~/.-./ ,
..A-
. ,
-r; S~ Strickland, Jr.
Enclosure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No, AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STIUCKLAND, JR.
S idnev. Strick I and~strick landDIJ c. com
May 24, 2006
Greg Gress
Chief, Pacific West Region
So National Park Service
Pacific West Region
One Jackson Center
1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Gress:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will fOnD the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone] , and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub, No. 441X). Because the appHcable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal , please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N.W" Suite 1 01 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
incer
-- /
r-, t/--:-
. --/ ///;
.F
/-- - '
VI
~ - .~.:
- l
- "
~ --.0..
- Sidney..b-:Strickland
, j;.' , /
~fosure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L STIUCKLAND, JR-
S i dnev. Stri cklandtU2stri ckl andD II c. com
May 24, 2006
Robert Linkhart
Idaho Transportation Department
3311 W. State Street
O. Box 7129
Boise, ill 83707.,.1129
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Linkhart:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. MIX). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sin#,IY'
-;/"'
~~d
~~- ~~~
~idney . Strjckl , Jr, :I,' sure " LSkew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 44JX)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STIUCKLAND, JR.
S idriev . Strick landriVstri ckland D II c. com
May 24, 2006
Kootenai Board of County Commissioners
451 Government Way
Coeurd'Alene, ill 83814
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sirs or Madams:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses ofthis proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB' s environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441 X), Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101, Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Since .,elY, rJ t
;( -d 4Z-v d:
~ ~
Sidne . Strickland, Jr.
osure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub, No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L STRICKLAND, lR.
Sidney. StricklandiW.stricklandDllc. com
May 24, 2006
Gordon Dobler
Coeur d' Alene Engineering Department
710 East Mullan Ave.
Coeur d'Alene ill, 83814
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Dobler:
On or about June 13,2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441 X). Because the appHcable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts ofthe contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincer
y, .
t?-/
1"7 vk ~7f/
/ /)!... \ ~ -.~/'"
Sidney . trickland, Jr.
I. o~re
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON. DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STIUCKLAND, JR.
S idnev . Sui ck J and!W.stri ckland D II c. com
May 24, 2006
Robert L. Meinen
Director
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0065
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Meinen:
On or about June) 3, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 nriles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will fOnD the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. MIX). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks,
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts ofthe contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail.at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
;//
~(~C~7~
trickland, Jr.
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON. DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, JR.
Sidney. Stricklandlli)strickl andDlic. com
May 24, 2006
Lew Brown, Dis1rict Manager
S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Coeur d'Alene Field Office
1808 North Third ,Street
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814-3407
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Brown:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describjng the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone] , and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441 X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with.a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N,, Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
incerlY, .
"" ,..--./'
1/#
" ; ~...... //- "'---- '
7-.:: 7 If.Sidne . Strickland, Jr. f/ 1--EnClosure //
SLS/eew
STB Docket No, AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STIUCKLAND, IR.
S i dnev . S tri ckl andilV.strickland D 11 c, com
May 24, 2006
S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Region 1
Eastside Federal Complex
911 NE 11th Avenue
Portlan~ OR 97232-4181
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as amap of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone] , and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. MIX). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action, If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mai1at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
ince IY' 0.7/.1----
j' .../--..,':"
r;/ ... Sjdn~, Strickland, Jr,
Enclosure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441).;
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, JR.
S idnev .Strick! andIW.stricklandD IIc.com
May 24, 2006
Gregg Rayner
Regulatory Project Manager
S. Anny Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
Idaho Panhandle National Forest Building
3815 Schreiber Way
Coeur d' Alene , Idaho 83814-8363
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Rayner:
On or about June 13 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will fonn the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone] , and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, No , Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
inc ely,
.....-1
~~'
SJdne . StnckJand, Jr.
closure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STRICKLAND, JR.
S idnev. S tri ckland!Q':stricklandD n c. com
May 24, 2006
Administrator
Department of Environmental Quality
O. Box 83720
1410 North Hilton
Boise, ill 83706-1255
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Sir or Madam:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45, in Coeur d'Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as amap of the affected area,
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will fOnD the
basis for the STB' s independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you beJieve that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. MIX). Because the appJicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks,
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts ofthe contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N, W., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
increJY, "-"..
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STB Docket No, AB-6 (Sub. No. 44TX)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L STRICKLAND, IR.
Sidney, S tri ckl and~stri ckland D 11 c. com
May 24, 2006
Susan Pengilly Neitzel
Compliance Coordinator and Deputy SHPO
Idaho State Historical Society
201 Main Street
Suite 250
Boise, ID 83702
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Ms. Neitzel:
On or about June 13, 2006, BNSF RaiJway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line ). Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as wen as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section ofEnvjronmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone], and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No, 441X), Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at (202) 338-) 325 or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N. W., Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sin.cerel
' ' ~ ,-y,
Sidn L. Strickland, Jr. ~(1
closure
SLS/eew
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 44JX)
SIDNEY STRICKLAND AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC
3050 K ST. N.W., SUITE 101
WASHINGTON, DC 20007-5108
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
SIDNEY L. STIUCKLAND, JR.
S j dnev. S tri ckland((l)strickl andD 1Ic. com
May 24, 2006
Richard Sims
State Conservationist
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite C
Boise, ill 83709
Re: STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X) BNSF Railway Company-
Abandonment Exemption in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Sims:
On or about June 13 , 2006, BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF") plans on filing with
the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") a Notice of Exemption seeking authority to abandon
12 miles of railroad line between Milepost 12.33 and Milepost 14.45 , in Coeur d' Alene
in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line )o Attached are Environmental and Historic Reports
describing the proposed action and any expected environmental and historic effects, as well as a
map of the affected area.
We are providing these reports so that you may review the information that will form the
basis for the STB's independent environmental and historic analyses of this proceeding. If any of
the information is misleading or incorrect, if you believe that pertinent information is missing, or
if you have any questions about the STB's environmental review process, please contact the
Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA), Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20423-0001 , Telephone [phone] , and refer to the above Docket No.
AB-6 (Sub. No. 441 X). Because the applicable statutes and regulations impose stringent
deadlines for processing this action, your written comments to SEA (with a copy to the
undersigned) would be appreciated within three weeks.
Your comments will be considered by the STB in evaluating the environmental and/or
historic preservation impacts of the contemplated action. If there are any questions concerning
this proposal, please contact the undersigned by telephone at [phone] or by mail at Sidney
Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, N,, Suite 101 , Washington, DC 20007.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation,
STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub. No. 441X)