shippers_dh.doc

March 8, 2000

«FirstName» «LastName»
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«Address1»
«City» «State» «PostalCode»

Re: Meeting to Discuss the Abandonment of Grangeville-Spalding Rail Line

Dear Mr. «LastName»:

As you know, Camas Prairie RailNet intends to file an Application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to abandon the Grangeville-Spalding rail line. Although the authority to grant or deny rail abandonments is governed by federal law, state law requires that the Idaho Public Utilities Commission schedule a public hearing on the proposed abandonment. In anticipation of the Idaho PUC and STB proceedings, the Commission’s Staff has scheduled an informal meeting for local government officials and rail shippers. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. at the Craigmont City Hall located at 109 East Main Street.

The purpose of the meeting is to generally outline the separate proceedings for the PUC and STB hearings, to advise shippers how they can participate in the abandonment hearings, and to answer any questions. This is an important meeting for those interested in preserving rail service.

If you are unable to attend, please contact me at [phone] for information about the abandonment process. For those able to attend, I look forward to seeing you on March 15, 2000.

Sincerely,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

cc: Ron Law