Cumberland & Knox Railroad, LLC (C&K),^[1] a noncarrier, has filed a notice for a modified certificate of public convenience and necessity under 49 CFR part 1150 subpart C— Modified Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, for C&K to operate a portion of the Rockland Branch, owned by the state of Maine (the State), between milepost 33.79 ^[2] at Brunswick, Me., and milepost 85.91 at Rockland, Me. (the Line).^[3]

C&K states that the Line was authorized for abandonment by a decision of the Interstate Commerce Commission in Docket No. AB-83 (Sub-No. 8) served on October 10, 1985. According to C&K, the Line was subsequently acquired by the State. (Notice 2.) See Safe Handling Rail, Inc.—Modified Rail Certificate, FD 33967 (STB served Dec. 22, 2000).

According to the notice, C&K and the State have entered into an Operating Lease Agreement, dated April 30, 2025,^[4] which provides an initial term from April 30, 2025, until December 30, 2030. (Notice 3.)

The Line qualifies for a modified certificate of public convenience and necessity. See Common Carrier Status of States, State Agencies & Instrumentalities & Pol. Subdivs., FD 28990F (ICC served July 16, 1981); 49 CFR 1150.22. C&K states that no subsidy is involved and that there will be no preconditions that shippers must meet to receive service. (Notice 3.) C&K's notice also includes a certificate of liability insurance coverage. (Notice Ex. A.)

This notice will be served on the Association of American Railroads (Car Service Division), as agent for all railroads subscribing to the car-service and car-hire agreement, at 425 Third Street SW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20024; and on the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association at 50 F Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001.

Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.