Marquette Rail Extends Michigan Tracks Lease Smoothly
Published Date: 5/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Marquette Rail, LLC is extending its lease to keep running about 129 miles of rail lines in Michigan that it’s been operating since 2005. They’ve updated their agreement with CSX Transportation, including a promise to keep exchanging rail cars smoothly. This means no service interruptions, and the changes kick in soon with no big cost surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Marquette Rail Continues 129.03 Miles
Marquette Rail will continue to lease and operate about 129.03 miles of rail line in Michigan — the segments from Grand Rapids to Baldwin, Baldwin to Ludington, Walhalla to Manistee, plus the 2.63-mile Filer City Spur to Filer City. The notice says MQT currently operates the Line and will continue to do so after the amended lease becomes effective.
Waiver of 60-Day Labor Notice Requested
MQT requested a waiver of the 60-day advance labor notice that carriers must give when projected annual revenues exceed $5,000,000. The waiver request will be decided separately, and the Board will set the exemption's effective date in that separate decision.
Lease Includes Interchange Commitment
The amended lease with CSX Transportation includes an interchange commitment, and MQT provided additional interchange information as required by 49 CFR 1150.43(h). A copy of the amended lease was filed under seal concurrently with the notice.
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