Wisconsin's Short Rail Line Heads to Bio Plant Fate
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
Union Pacific Railroad wants to stop using a short 0.88-mile rail line in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and sell it to Aztalan Bio, the only company using it. Aztalan plans to change the track near its facility but will still get rail service from Union Pacific. The final decision comes by January 12, 2026, and others have a chance to step in with financial offers within 120 days.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Sale Will Limit Track Use
Union Pacific seeks to abandon an approximately 0.88-mile rail line and sell the track to Aztalan Bio, the only shipper. The document says use of the Line will be limited to Aztalan's movement, storage, loading/unloading, and receipt and delivery of rail cars, which would limit other parties from using the Line.
Opportunity To Submit Financial Offers
People or entities can submit an Offer of Financial Assistance (OFA) to subsidize or purchase the Line; OFAs are due no later than 120 days after the petition filing (petition filed September 24, 2025) or 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition, whichever is sooner. Anyone intending to file an OFA must first file a formal expression of intent by December 1, 2025, showing the type of assistance and preliminary financial responsibility.
Deadline For Trail Or Public Use Requests
Requests for a public use condition or interim trail use/railbanking for the Line must be filed by December 11, 2025. Filing fees for these requests are referenced in 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27).
Employee Interests Will Be Protected
The notice says the interests of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in the Oregon Short Line abandonment decision (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). The Board is instituting an exemption proceeding with a final decision due January 12, 2026.
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