Frei_dh-rl.doc

April 18, 2000

Ron Frei, President
Idaho County Farm Bureau
104 South A Street
Grangeville, ID 83530

Re: Abandonment of Camas Prairie’s Spalding-Grangeville Line

Dear Mr. Frei:

In your letter of April 10, 2000, you asked what steps, if any, could the Idaho County Farm Bureau and its members take to avoid abandonment of the Camas Prairie line running from Spalding to Grangeville. Although Camas Prairie has informally notified the Commission that it intends to abandon this line, the Railroad has not yet filed its formal Application. Your letter also mentions increased truck traffic and the associated concerns for highway safety.

In reviewing the Railroad’s draft Environmental and Historical Report, the Idaho Transportation Department estimated that there will be an increase of 10,000-12,000 truck trips per year in both directions on U.S. 95. The Department has recommended that the Railroad address this safety issue especially when considered with the fact that U.S. 95 is a “two-lane roadway traversing a 3,000-foot grade with limited passing opportunities. This could cause significant safety problems for the traveling public, particularly in the winter.”

In regard to your question about actions which the Farm Bureau or your members might take to retain rail service, the most important suggestion that I might make is for your members to utilize rail transportation for the shipment of grains wherever possible. Increasing rail traffic is the surest way to avoid abandonment. It is my understanding that the shippers on the line are currently exploring ways to increase their rail shipments. Given the recent increases in the state ton-mile tax, many farmers may have greater incentives to reduce motor vehicle mileage and rely on rail transportation where available.

In addition, many of the shippers and local community officials have formed a working group to explore alternatives to abandonment. To join in or assist in their endeavors, you may wish to contact the group’s coordinator, Gary Hanes, at [phone].

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. I will also add your name to the list of persons and organizations to be notified when the Railroad formally files its abandonment application. Under Idaho law, the Commission will convene a public hearing to determine if the abandonment would be adverse to the local community and whether the line has a potential for profitability. I would invite you and your members to participate in this process.

Sincerely,

Ron Law
Executive Administrator

cc: Gary Hanes
Don Howell

Vld/L:frei_dh-rl
Ron Frei
April 18, 2000
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