Trains and States Shake Hands: New Deal Keeps Connecticut Tracks Rolling
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Providence and Worcester Railroad Company is teaming up with the State of Connecticut to keep running about 17 miles of local train tracks called the Middletown Cluster. They’re swapping out an old deal for a fresh operating agreement, so P&W can keep chugging along smoothly. This change won’t cost extra or cause delays—it’s just a new handshake to keep the trains rolling!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
20-Year Agreement Keeps Trains Running
The Providence and Worcester Railroad will operate about 16.84 miles of the Middletown Cluster in Connecticut under a new operating agreement for a 20-year term with up to two 10-year extensions. This new agreement replaces the prior operating agreement and will take effect on the exemption's effective date as set by the Board.
Shorter Labor Notice Possible
If you work on the affected rail lines in Connecticut, federal rules (49 CFR 1150.42(e)) normally require your employer to post a 60-day advance notice before this exemption becomes effective because P&W's revenues exceed $5,000,000. P&W has asked the Board to waive that 60-day requirement so the exemption could become effective 30 days after the verified notice was filed; the Board will decide the waiver and set the effective date. Petitions for stay must be filed by December 5, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17004, Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two open spots on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee—one for biofuel experts and one for coal producers. If you or someone you know fits the bill, nominations are due by September 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape how energy moves by rail, with no cost to apply and a voice in important transportation decisions.
2026-16620, Regulatory Agenda
The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is publishing the Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.
2026-16276, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-State of South Dakota
2026-16109, Release of Waybill Data
2026-16128, Town of Gloster, Miss.-Acquisition Exemption-Line of Gloster Southern Railroad Company, LLC
2026-14758, Colby Nitterhouse-Continuance in Control Exemption-NPJ Rail, LLC; PNGT Rail, LLC; and WCN Rail, LLC
Colby Nitterhouse, who doesn’t currently control any railroads, is set to take charge of three small rail companies: NPJ Rail, PNGT Rail, and WCN Rail. This move lets Nitterhouse keep control as these companies become official Class III rail carriers. The paperwork was updated recently, and no big money changes or delays are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21375, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review at the NIH is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 20, 2026, to review important grant applications about aging and brain health. These meetings are private to protect secret ideas and personal info. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note this date, but no money changes or deadlines are announced here.
Next: 2025-21377, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review at the NIH is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 16, 2026, to review important grant applications about tobacco research. These meetings are private to protect sensitive information and personal privacy. Researchers applying for grants and the scientific community should note this date as it impacts funding decisions.