STB releases details for CSX-Pan Am merger hearing

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) last week announced details of the upcoming public hearing on the revised application for CSX to acquire control of Pan Am Systems Inc. and its short-line subsidiaries.

The public hearing will be held virtually on Jan. 13, 2022. If necessary, the hearing will continue on Jan. 14.

Anyone who wants to speak at the hearing should file a notice of intent to participate by Dec. 20. The notice should identify the entity, if any, the person represents, the proposed speaker, the amount of time requested and a summary of the key points that the speaker intends to address, STB officials said in a press release.

In a separate decision, the STB last week affirmed its prior preliminary conclusion that an environmental and historic review of the proposed merger is not required.

The board had sought public comment on its prior conclusion and directed CSX to file traffic forecasts through 2027. Last week’s decision was based on all of the information available to date and consultation with the board’s Office of Environmental Analysis.