FOR RELEASE	Contact: Dennis Watson
11/04/98 (Wednesday)	(202) 565-1596
No. 98-70	FIRS 1 (800) 877-8339
	www.stb.gov

JOINT STB/USDA GRAIN LOGISTICS TASK FORCE ISSUES SECOND REPORT ON GRAIN TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Linda Morgan and Vice Chairman Gus Owen reported the issuance by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of the second in a series of Grain Transportation Prospects Reports prepared by a joint grain logistics task force composed of personnel from the Board and the USDA. The report projects the greatest rail transportation demand this year during the fourth quarter.

The inter-agency task force was initiated pursuant to a memorandum of understanding signed by Chairman Morgan and Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, following a rail grain transportation meeting hosted by Senator Tim Johnson and attended by Senators Tom Daschle and Byron Dorgan, designed to address shipper and railroad information needs related to recurring seasonal problems that affect the transportation of grain and grain products. The intent of the program is to ensure shippers and railroads of the availability of quality and timely information with which to make critical logistics and marketing decisions.

Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Owen applauded Secretary Glickman and the USDA staff for their considerable commitment to this effort, and pledged the Board’s continued commitment as well. They view the task force as an example of how government agencies can and should work cooperatively for the benefit of the public.

###