The Surface Transportation Board on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 gave preliminary approval to Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to acquire "certain physical railroad assets" from Canaan, Conn.-based short line Housatonic Railroad Co., Inc.
The Board split its decision, for now, on prospective status of freight rail operations, which it deemed secure, and potential passenger operations over the right-of-way, of which STB remains somewhat uncertain.
STB, in Docket No. FD 35866, approved its initial clearance "because under the proposed transaction, HRRC would retain the legal obligation to provide freight rail service and MassDOT would not be able to interfere unreasonably with that service.
"However, the Board requires additional information in order rule on the motion to dismiss with respect to MassDOT's proposed acquisition of passenger rights and whether MRC is a necessary party to this proceeding. MassDOT is directed to submit the additional information the Board describes in this decision within 30 days of the service date of this decision," STB said.
Massachusetts seeks ownership of Housatonic's current right-of-way between Sheffield, Mass, on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border, and Pittsfield, Mass., the short line's northern terminus, where it interfaces with CSX.
"MassDOT states that the acquisition of the Railroad Assets is intended to facilitate the Commonwealth's long-term plans to restore regional passenger service linking the New York City metropolitan area, and the Northeast Corridor megalopolis generally, with the Berkshire region of western Massachusetts, STB noted.