GLB RR: Notice of Extension of Comment Period for the Draft Scope of Study to July 15

45270

OEA                                     

SERVICE DATE - JUNE 10, 2016

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD NOTICE STB Docket No. FD 35952

GREAT LAKES BASIN TRANSPORTATION, INC - AUTHORITY TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A RAIL LINE IN INDIANA, ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN

Decided: June 10, 2016

Notice of Extension of Comment Period for the Draft Scope of Study

The Surface Transportation Board's (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a Draft Scope of Study, and a notice of scoping meetings in the above-captioned proceeding on March 18, 2016 and published it in the Federal Register on the same day. In the NOI, OEA invited public comments on the Draft Scope of Study, potential alternative routes for the proposed rail line, and environmental issues and concerns by May 16, 2016. In response to a number of comments and the extensive scope of the proposed construction, OEA issued a Notice on April 8, 2016 to advise the public and all interested parties that the comment period would be extended until June 15, 2016. OEA has received a number of requests for a further extension of the comment period and is issuing today's Notice to advise the public and all interested parties that the comment period will be extended again an additional 30 days. Comments are now due by July 15, 2016. No further extensions of time will be granted.

OEA will issue a Final Scope of Study for the EIS after the close of the scoping comment period. Any comments previously submitted on the NOI and Draft Scope of Study need not be resubmitted.

Scoping comments may be submitted electronically on the Board's website, www.stb.dot.gov by clicking on the "E-FILING"link on the homepage and then selecting "Environmental Comments." Please refer to Docket No. FD 35952 in all correspondence, including e-filings, addressed to the Board. Scoping comments are now due by July 15, 2016.

Project specific information may be found on the Board's website at www.stb.dot.govunder "Environmental Matters," then click on the "Key Cases" button in the dropdown menu and then select "Great Lakes Basin." For additional information about the Board's environmental review process and this EIS, you may also visit a Board-sponsored project website at www.GreatLakesBasinRailEIS.com.The website for the Board is www.stb.dot.gov.

By the Board, Victoria Rutson, Director, Office of Environmental Analysis.

The actual decision is available at:  http://www.greatlakesbasinraileis.com/documents/OEA_Decision_45270_GLB_Comment_Period_Extension_06102016.pdf