New Rail Corp Leases Abandoned Oklahoma Lines Post-Safety Halt
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Notice
Summary
Land Rush Rail Corporation (LRRC) is stepping in to lease and run about 37 miles of rail tracks owned by Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Blackwell Industrial Authority. This change comes after the previous operator was stopped by a safety order, and LRRC will take over once they meet safety rules. The switch aims to keep trains running smoothly in the area without delays or extra costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Operator to Run 37.26 Miles of Track
Land Rush Rail Corporation (LRRC) will lease and operate about 37.26 miles of rail owned by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Blackwell Industrial Authority (BIA), covering the line from Wellington, Kansas to Blackwell, Oklahoma. The exemption can be consummated on or after March 20, 2025, and LRRC says this change is meant to keep trains running in the area without delays or extra costs to the public.
Must Meet FRA Emergency Order Before Operating
LRRC must satisfy the conditions set forth in the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) emergency order before it can actually begin operations on the line; the FRA emergency order that halted the prior operator was issued on February 3, 2024. That safety requirement must be met before LRRC commences service after the March 20, 2025 effective date.
Excluded From Environmental and Historic Review
The Board states this action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c) and from historic preservation reporting under 49 CFR 1105.8(b). That means the lease-and-operation exemption will not trigger the usual environmental or historic-preservation reports mentioned in those regulations.
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