Surface Transportation Board: City didn’t make its case
I’m sure this issue is far from being solved, but the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) made public its Decision today regarding the City of Peoria and Village of Peoria Heights’ plan to keep Pioneer Industrial Railway off the Kellar Branch:
“The Cities’ application for adverse discontinuance of PIRY’s operating authority is denied.”
Basically, the STB restored the Pioneer Industrial Railway’s operating authority on the Kellar Branch, but the Central Illinois Railroad’s operating authority has been left intact. The two carriers will have to come to a joint operating agreement. This is one aspect of the Decision I don’t like, but I’m sure the two railroads can work out a deal that benefits the customers.
For those of us with an interest in the outcome of the rail vs. trail debate, the text of the decision is an interesting read, but I’ll analyze it when I have the time. In the meantime, have at it.
UPDATE (8:00pm): There’s not much more to add, and further commentary would likely rehash old arguments. Basically, the City of Peoria failed to make its case and the Board felt it best that the restoration of Pioneer’s operating authority would be the best solution.
The coming weeks and months will be interesting to watch as CIRY and PIRY must work out an arrangement that is satisfactory to both parties. I’m a little concerned about the feasibility and economics of such an arrangment. Perhaps the two railroads will alternate in providing service month by month, or a joint corporation will be formed to eliminate duplicate service to users? Whatever arrangement is made, the interests of shippers, and potential shippers, should be priority.
Now that it is highly unlikely the Kellar Branch will be abandoned, the line may now has the chance to fulfill its potential, which for too long has been stunted by a financially-ailing owner (Rock Island RR, which posted losses every year from 1965 through 1979 then was forced to liquidate in 1980), uncertainty over Interstate Commerce Commission directed service leading up to the closure if the Pabst brewery (1982), and Municipal ownership marked by poor decisions (user fees) and an indifferent operator (Peoria & Pekin Union). When the line had an operator (Pioneer) willing to increase traffic and market it to new business, the City wanted to destroy it for a recreational trail. Perhaps the next few years will show skeptics that the availability of efficient rail freight service to Peoria’s northwest side will allow for job growth that has been lacking.
Time will tell.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
David Jordan;
Your knowledge of the Kellar Branch astounds me. I would like to contact you, outside of this blog. Are you able to furnish contact info?
Mine is allansmith13@msn.com