STB Decisions on US Rail Acquisitions & Jurisdictions

STB poised to rule on rail corridor acquisitions, including Lake Providence Port Commission’s bid and Mendocino Railway’s short line status, this month.

STB Decisions on US Rail Acquisitions & Jurisdictions
September 23, 2025 10:55 pm
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Introduction

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs announced updates on several recent board actions, including the Lake Providence Port Commission’s efforts to acquire parts of the McGehee-Tallulah rail corridor from Delta Southern Railroad Inc. Fuchs indicated that the STB is poised to issue decisions on these and other matters later this month.

Lake Providence Port Commission Acquisition

The Lake Providence Port Commission is seeking to acquire portions of the McGehee-Tallulah rail corridor. The corridor is currently owned by Delta Southern Railroad Inc., a short line. The STB placed the proceeding in abeyance in August 2024, pending the resolution of issues raised in related state court actions. Chairman Fuchs has presented a draft action. The STB is expected to issue a decision later this month.

Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co. Jurisdiction

Philadelphia has petitioned for a declaratory order. The petition addresses jurisdiction over property underlying a segment of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co.’s former Ninth Street Branch. Chairman Fuchs has offered a draft action for consideration by the full Board. A decision is anticipated sometime this month.

Mendocino Railway Status

Mendocino Railway has petitioned the board to confirm its status as a short line. Chairman Fuchs anticipates the board will act on his draft action regarding this matter sometime this month.

Conclusion

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Chairman Fuchs provided updates on three proceedings: the Lake Providence Port Commission’s acquisition, Philadelphia’s petition regarding the Ninth Street Branch, and Mendocino Railway’s petition for short line status confirmation. Decisions on these matters are expected from the STB later this month.

Delta Southern Railroad Inc.

Delta Southern Railroad Inc. is a short line railroad company.

Lake Providence Port Commission

The Lake Providence Port Commission is involved in the acquisition of a rail corridor.

Mendocino Railway

Mendocino Railway petitioned the board to confirm its status as a short line.

Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co.

Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co. is a company involved in the petition for a declaratory order.

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