Hanes_Blakeman_dh.doc

May 3, 2000

Gary Hanes
PO Box 20
HCR-1 Granite Rd
Winchester, ID 83555
Ken Blakeman
Lewiston Grain Growers
PO Box 467
Lewiston, ID 83501-0467
Re: Idaho’s Protest in the Wallace Branch Case

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to our telephone conversation of last Monday, I have enclosed for your information a copy of the State of Idaho’s Protest in the Union Pacific Wallace Branch case. In this 1991 Protest, you will note that the Protest merely challenges the Railroad’s assertions about expenses, costs, environmental impacts, and adverse impacts on rural and economic development. Under the Interstate Commerce Commission Rules (the predecessor of the STB) at the time, parties first filed protests and then filed verified statement supporting their protests. Under the current STB Rule, parties must file their Protests and Verified Statements all at the same time.

I hope you find this information helpful. One additional item for Gary. I checked US Timber’s forecast car shipments with its President, Brad Bower. The forecast shipping numbers that I had for US Timber shows a total loaded inbound and outbound cars of 721 cars in the forecast year (April 2000 through March 2001). The Company is apparently comfortable with that forecast year estimate. If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone].

Sincerely yours,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

Enclosures

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