FOR RELEASE	Contact: Dennis Watson
08/19/99 (Thursday)	(202) 565-1596
No. 99-36	FIRS 1 (800) 877-8339
	www.stb.gov

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD OPENS "Y2K" PROCEEDING, ESTABLISHES SMALL BUSINESS POINT OF CONTACT

Surface Transportation Board (Board) Chairman Linda J. Morgan announced that the Board has opened up a proceeding in which railroad Y2K issues can be addressed. The Board also established its Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) as the small business contact point for Y2K issues.

Given the complex nature of railroad operations, switching, and interchange, it is possible that Y2K problems could disrupt railroad services and the smooth flow of traffic between carriers. In such an event, the Board is prepared to assume an active role in the interest of the public, both to maintain rail operations while any computer problems are repaired and to return rail service to normal levels. The Board has opened a docket, STB Ex Parte No. 633, as a means by which railroads and other interested parties can inform the Board of any anticipated Y2K problems within the railroad industry.

Additionally, under section 18 of the Y2K Act, each Federal agency with authority to impose civil penalties for statutory and regulatory violations must establish a point of contact for small business concerns with Y2K problems. The Board has designated its OCE [(202) 565-1573] as its small business contact point.

The Board issued its policy statement in Railroad Y2K Readiness, STB Ex Parte No. 633, on August 20, 1999.

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