FOR RELEASE
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221
03/06/2007 (Tuesday)
No. 07-14


FedRelay 1 (800) 877-8339
www.stb.gov
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD TO HOLD APRIL 11 PUBLIC HEARING ON RAIL CAPACITY & INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS


The Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced today that the agency will hold an April 11, 2007 public hearing to examine issues related to railroad traffic forecasts and infrastructure requirements.


Specifically, the STB will conduct the public hearing as a forum for interested persons to provide views and information about: rail-freight traffic forecasts; the extent of capacity constraints and the ability of railroads to meet rising demand; the infrastructure investment needed to ensure that the Nation's freight-rail system continues to operate in an efficient and reliable manner; possible solutions to the challenges presented by growing rail traffic and limited capacity; and the potential role of public-private partnerships and innovative financing tools in meeting these challenges.


In announcing the April 11 hearing, STB Chairman Charles D. Nottingham stated:

"Our Nation's freight-rail system will be relied upon to handle significant increases in traffic in the years ahead. This hearing should shed light on whether current plans and investments are adequate to meet rail capacity demands, and, if not, what new policies and strategies need to be implemented."


The hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, in the 1st Floor hearing room at the STB's new headquarters at 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.


The STB scheduled the April 11 hearing in a Notice in the proceeding entitled "Rail Capacity and Infrastructure Requirements," STB Ex Parte No. 671, issued today, Tuesday, March 6, 2007. That decision is available for viewing and downloading via the agency's Web site at http://www.stb.dot.gov. A printed copy of the STB's decision also is available by contacting ASAP Document Solutions, 9332 Annapolis Rd., Suite 103, Lanham, MD 20706, telephone (202) 306-4004, or via asapdc@verizon.net.


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