Whether a tourist line is at risk or not, seems to depend on its status with STB. In the middle case reference you cited regarding the Honey Creek RR, STB final decision cited an earlier case in Leelanau County, MI (a line with which I am somewhat familiar). After the CSX line was officially abandoned by ICC/STB, the tourist line that followed was determined not to be subject to STB, and was eventually abandoned without fanfare.
And?
http://www.stb.dot.gov/home.nsf/case?openform&caseID=31285&caseDocket=NOR_42140_0 (seeking an injunction to stop a railroad from removing its line) http://www.stb.dot.gov/home.nsf/case?openform&caseID=29086&caseDocket=FD_34869_0 (addressing the question of whether a rail line had been abandoned pursuant to STB authority, much like the question in your situation.) http://www.stb.dot.gov/home.nsf/case?openform&caseID=31388&caseDocket=FD_35918_0 (an ongoing matter, in which the STB has been asked to determine if a rail line segment is subject to its jurisdiction) Please let me know if you have any further questions. Gabriel S. Meyer Surface Transportation Board | Attorney-Advisor Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs & Compliance Rail Customer & Public Assistance program 1-866-254-1792 (202) 245-0245 (Board Mainline) (202) 245-0150 (direct)
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