Interested Parties_dh2.doc

VIA FACSIMILE

May 26, 2000

Re: STB Docket No. AB-No. 564
Camas Prairie RailNet’s Application to Abandon the Spalding-Grangeville Line

Dear Interested Person:

Today the Idaho Public Utilities Commission was advised that Camas Prairie filed its Application to abandon the Grangeville-Spalding line with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The Commission does not expect to receive its copy of the Application and supporting documents until next week. A copy of the Application along with other documents within the Railroad’s possession are available upon request made to the Railroad. A copy of the Application should also be available for review at the Railroad’s Lewiston office located at 325 Mill Road.

If the Application was filed with the STB today, persons interested in requesting the STB hold a public hearing in Idaho must submit these requests to the STB to be received no later than June 5, 2000. Such requests should also contain the reasons for the STB to hold an oral hearing. In particular, the STB’s regulations note that the primary purpose of an oral hearing is for “cross-examination of witnesses filing verified statements” regarding disputed issues in the case. 49 C.F.R. § 1152.25(c)(6).

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will shortly decide when and where to hold a public hearing regarding the Railroad’s request to abandon this line. Although the authority to grant or deny abandonments is subject to the jurisdiction of the STB, state law requires that the Public Utilities Commission schedule a public hearing on the proposed abandonment. If the Commission finds that abandonment of the rail line would adversely affect the area being served and that the line has a potential for profitability, then the Commission represents the State in the STB proceeding.

For information regarding the STB and railroad abandonments, you may review 49 C.F.R. Part 1152 and information contained on the STB’s website at www.stb.dot.gov.

If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely yours,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

Vld/L:InterestedParties_dh2