Canadian National Railway announced Friday that it is asking a federal regulatory board to make a decision before the end of the year on its plan to buy the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.
CN officials are asking the Surface Transportation Board to decide on the transportation merits of the proposal so the railway can close the deal before the new year. The EJ&E’s current owner, U.S. Steel Corp., has said it will not extend its $300 million purchase agreement beyond Dec. 31. The railway is suggesting the federal board maintain its current schedule for evaluating the environment impacts of the proposal.
In a statement released Friday, CN officials said they want a ruling by Oct. 15. Currently, the board is not expected to make a final decision on the purchase before next spring.
The EJ&E runs in an arc from Waukegan to Joliet to northwest Indiana.
CN contends that purchasing the little-used rail line will reduce freight-train congestion by allowing some of its trains to bypass the overcrowded rails leading into Chicago. Local leaders in DuPage County and other suburban areas argue that the acquisition would dramatically increase train traffic along the EJ&E tracks and negatively effect communities through which they run.
One of those opponents is U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-13th District, of Hinsdale. The congresswoman released a statement Friday shortly after the railway’s announcement.
“Once again, CN is trying to pressure federal regulators into making rash decisions about the safety and quality of life of suburban residents,” Biggert said in the written statement. “They’re asking the STB to make a mockery of the public comment process. That’s completely unfair to those who are being asked to pay the price so CN can add to their bottom line.”
The deadline for public comment on the proposed purchase is Sept. 30. For more information, visit www.stbfinancedocket35087.com.
