Summary:  EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR KERN VALLEY'S REPLY TO A REQUEST BY RAIL VENTURES THAT THE BOARD ESTABLISH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE LINE TO MARCH 28, 2008.

SERVICE DATE - LATE RELEASE MARCH 8, 2002

SEC

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

DECISION

STB Docket No. AB-573X

TRINIDAD RAILWAY, INC.-ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION- IN LAS ANIMAS COUNTY, CO

Decided: March 7, 2002

By decision served on February 28, 2002, in this proceeding, the Board set March 18, 2002, as the deadline for either party to file a request that the Board establish the terms and conditions for an offer of financial assistance (OFA) purchase of a 28-mile segment of rail line by Rail Ventures, Inc. (Rail Ventures) under 49 U.S.C. 10904. By petition filed on March 1, 2002, Kern Valley Railroad Company (Kern Valley) requests an extension until March 28, 2002, of the time period established by 49 CFR 1152.27(h)(4) for filing a reply to any request to set terms that is submitted by Rail Ventures.

As cause for this extension, Kern Valley states that, if Rail Ventures files its "set terms" request on March 18, 2002, Kern Valley's reply would be due during a time when, due to a prior commitment, Kern Valley's counsel will be away from his office (between March 21, 2002, and March 25, 2002). Therefore, Kern Valley requests that the Board extend its reply deadline to March 28, 2002. According to Kern Valley, Rail Ventures does not to oppose this extension request. Under the circumstances, the request is reasonable and will be granted.

It is ordered:

1. The deadline for Kern Valley's reply to a request by Rail Ventures that the Board establish the terms and conditions for the purchase of the line is extended to March 28, 2002.

2. This decision is effective on its service date.

By the Board, Vernon A. Williams, Secretary.

Vernon A. Williams

Secretary