McFarland-Plaistow_dh3.doc

July 26, 2000

VIA FAX

Thomas F. McFarland, Jr.
McFarland & Herman
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330
Chicago, IL 60606-2902

Joseph J. Plaistow
L.E. Peabody & Associates, Inc.
1501 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-3449

Re: State of Idaho Comments on the EA

Dear Tom and Joe,

Enclosed for your information is a copy of Idaho’s Comments regarding the STB’s Environmental Assessment (EA). I have also enclosed for your review copies of FRA inspection reports concerning the Grangeville line. The third inspection dated November 18, 1999 does specifically reference three bridges (Nos. 50, 47, and 46). Although it notes some concerns regarding alignment, sub sills, and mud sills, the report notes that “No FRA defects noted.”

Also included is a report dated November 19, 1999 which notes that the FRA “Inspected . . . twenty-one timber bridges between Craigmont MP 34.5 and Spalding MP 0.8 on the Second Subdivision. No FRA defects noted.” Based on my limited review, these records appear to bolster our position on the bridge structures.

I understand that Tom is out of the office till Friday. Upon his return, maybe we should discuss what the appropriate course of action would be following CSPR’s filing of its rebuttal evidence. I have forwarded a copy of the rebuttal material to Paul Wyatt and Ed Morse.

Sincerely yours,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

Enclosures

bls/L:McFarland_Plaistow_dh3
Tom McFarland
Joe Plaistow
July 26, 2000
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