STB issues GLBT decision

On May 1, 2017, Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc. (GLBT) filed an application seeking authority from the Surface Transportation Board to construct and operate an approximately 261-mile rail line extending around the Chicago, Ill. area at a distance of 38 to 89 miles from downtown and passing through counties in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The application, among other items, requested a protective order governing exchange and use of information GLBT deemed confidential.

As required by the Board, GLBT also filed under seal a list of its 10 principal stockholders and their respective holdings, arguing that “the list of shareholders contains proprietary and commercially sensitive information and confidential personal information, the disclosure of which could have an adverse impact on GLBT and its principals,” STB said.

GLBT said the purpose of the new rail line would be “to allow rail traffic to bypass the Chicago area,” STB indicated in its decision. “GLBT states that the line would be completely grade separated from major intersecting rail lines and major highways; would interchange with each major rail line operated by the six Class I railroads serving Chicago, along with six regional railroads, at a total of 26 potential points of interchange; would permit a train to travel between any two of those points of interchange in eight hours or less; and would create new capacity, permitting up to 110 trains per day to bypass the existing Chicago terminal and allowing the existing rail infrastructure to move freight and passenger trains originating and terminating in Chicago more efficiently and reliably.”

STB’s decision, issued June 2 (Docket No. FD 35952), “directs GLBT to supplement its application, tolls the deadlines imposed by the Board’s regulations for comments and replies on the transportation merits of the application, grants with modifications a motion for protective order filed by GLBT, rejects GLBT’s designation of the list of its 10 principal stockholders and their respective holdings as ‘highly confidential,’ addresses a pending request for extension of time to reply to the motion for protective order and to the application, and clarifies the service requirements in this proceeding.”

STB’s full decision can be accessed by clicking HERE.