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The Surface Transportation Board (STB) recently adopted its 2009 user fee update schedule, which established fees for each type of proceedings filed with the agency. Updated fee changes take effect June 4.

The board charges fees to offset increased expenses, including higher overhead costs. The 2009 update complies with a Congressional mandate that the board assess fees to cover a portion of its budget.

The update maintains user fees for rate-complaint cases at a level no higher than a federal lawsuit filing fee ($350 per complaint) pursuant to the Congressional mandate. STB regulations provide for the waiver of a fee for any entity that demonstrates such a payment constitutes a financial hardship, according to the board.