Canonie Atlantic Co. Abandonment Exemption and Buckingham Branch Railroad Company Discontinuance Exemption in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia
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Canonie Atlantic Co. (CAC) and Buckingham Branch Railroad Company jointly petitioned the Surface Transportation Board for an exemption from prior approval requirements to abandon and discontinue service over a 2.3-mile rail line between milepost 95.0 at Little Creek in Virginia Beach and milepost 97.6 at Camden Heights in Norfolk, Virginia. The line, owned by CAC since 1985 but operated by Buckingham Branch since 2018 under lease, serves two shippers (USRL Virginia Beach VA, LLC and Greenbridge) and includes the Little Creek Yard used for transloading and as the railroad's operational base in the Tidewater area. The action is driven by the U.S. Navy's desire to acquire a portion of the line (Parcel 4B) for national security and waterfront control purposes. Buckingham Branch has stated that without this parcel, continued operation of the remaining line would be operationally and economically impracticable. A final decision is expected by June 26, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Exemption sought under 49 U.S.C. 10502 from prior approval under 49 U.S.C. 10903 for 2.3-mile rail line abandonment and discontinuance
- U.S. Navy seeking to acquire Parcel 4B of Little Creek Yard for national security purposes
- Final STB decision expected no later than June 26, 2026
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Obligations
What this law requires
File formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) with the Surface Transportation Board by April 6, 2026, indicating the type of financial assistance (subsidy or purchase) and demonstrating preliminary financial responsibility
Submit all offers of financial assistance (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) no later than 120 days after March 9, 2026 (the petition filing date), or 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption, whichever occurs sooner
Submit any requests for public use conditions under 49 CFR 1152.28 or interim trail use/railbanking under 49 CFR 1152.29 no later than April 16, 2026
File all pleadings with the Surface Transportation Board referencing Docket Nos. AB 1266 (Sub-No. 2X) and AB 1349X via e-filing or in writing at 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423-0001
Serve a copy of each pleading on CAC's representative (Justin J. Marks, Clark Hill PLC, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1300 South, Washington, DC 20004) and Buckingham Branch's representative (Robert A. Wimbish, Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 N Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606)