20050112Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. UPR-04-2, Order No. 29683
January 12, 2005
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.puc.idaho.2ov
PUC won t contest rail abandonment
Boise - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will not object to Union Pacific Railroad's intent
to abandon a quarter-mile stretch of track in Caribou County.
The railroad wants to sell that portion of track to Agrium, the only user of the quarter-mile
stretch. Agrium ships phosphate ore from a mining operation in Dry Valley. Agrium wants to
buy the track to allow it to assemble larger dedicated trains and maximize its rail shipping
activity.
The commission conducted a public hearing on January 6. Officials from Agrium and Union
Pacific were represented at the hearing and on one testified against the proposal.
Union Pacific indicated it would file with the federal Surface Transportation Board for an
exemption that allows the railroad to abandon the rail line in as few as 30 days. To be eligible for
an exemption, the railroad must certify that no rail traffic has moved on the line for two years
and there are no outstanding complaints about lack of rail service.
While the commission does not make rail abandonment decisions, state statute requires the PUC
to schedule a public hearing. The commission s role is to determine if the abandonment
adversely affects the area being served, 2) impairs the access of Idaho shippers to vital goods and
markets, and 3) whether the rail line has the potential for profitability. If the commission
determines the proposed abandonment is not in the public interest, it files comments and
represents the state before the Surface Transportation Board. In this case, the commission has
elected not to file comments.
END