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AbandonmentIn AB 1097

AB 1097-X

Docket Yard · docketyard.org/d/AB-1097-X · entries shown: all, newest first

PICKENS RAILWAY COMPANY-ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION-IN PICKENS COUNTY, S.C.

Caption from the Board’s record.

9 filings, 4 decisions and 17 environmental comments observed here; last checked 10 Oct 2026, 23:36 UTC; last new entry 31 Aug 2026, 20:32 UTC.

Cite View on stb.gov

Entries

By type (5)
Newest first · oldest first
  1. (printed as 7/2/2013)
    Trail
    234501Trail Use Agreement Reached
    City Of Pickens, City Of Easley
  2. (printed as 6/7/2013)
    Comment
    EI-20236Jim McDonald
  3. (printed as 6/4/2013)
    Comment
    EI-20235SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
    Jill Stewart
  4. (printed as 5/30/2013)
    Comment
    EI-20237Pickens Railway Company
    Rose-Michele Nardi
  5. served (printed as 5/17/2013)
    Decision
    43047Director Of Proceedings
    DECISION GRANTED AN EXTENSION OF TIME TO NEGOTIATE INTERIM TRAIL USE.
  6. (printed as 4/5/2013)
    Request
    234031Request For Extension Of Time
    City Of Easley, City Of Pickens
  7. (printed as 2/28/2013)
    Comment
    EI-20147Junius Smith
  8. (printed as 1/30/2013)
    Comment
    EO-2123Jim McDonald
  9. served (printed as 10/26/2012)
    Decision
    42681Director Of Proceedings
    DECISION REOPENS THIS PROCEEDING TO IMPOSE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, ISSUE A NOTICE OF INTERIM TRAIL USE, AND IMPOSE A PUBLIC USE CONDITION.
  10. (printed as 10/22/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2122Final Environmental Assessment
  11. (printed as 10/19/2012)
    Comment
    EI-20233Junius Smith
  12. (printed as 10/19/2012)
    Comment
    EI-20232Junius Smith
  13. (printed as 10/19/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2121Junius Smith
  14. (printed as 10/18/2012)
    Environmental
    233217Environmental Materials
    Upstate Forever
  15. (printed as 10/18/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2120Upstate Forever
    Lisa Hallo
  16. (printed as 10/16/2012)
    Reply
    233204Reply
    Pickens Railway Company
  17. (printed as 10/16/2012)
    Comment
    EI-21197Upstate Forever
    October 16, 2012 Ms. Cynthia Brown Chief of the Section of Administration Office of Proceedings Surface Transportation Board 395 E. Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 Mr. Joshua Wayland Surface Transportation Board Case Control Unit Washington, DC 20423 Re: Pickens Railway Company – Abandonment Exemption – Pickens County, S.C., AB 1097X Dear Mr. Wayland, Upstate Forever is a non-profit, membership-based organization whose mission is to promote sensible growth and protect special places across the Upstate of South Carolina. We have nearly 2,000 members, 17 staff, and two offices. We are writing to you in reference to Docket No. AB 1097X regarding the 8.5-mile rail line currently owned by Pickens Railway Company that runs from Easley, SC to Pickens, SC. Our understanding is that the Cities of Easley and Pickens have jointly filed for a request for Public Use Condition and Interim Trail Use, as well as a Statement of Willingness to Assume Financial Responsibility. We have reviewed the Environmental Analysis (EA) related to this project, which invited the comments we now submit. We support the cities in their request and encourage the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to help facilitate the conversion of this rail line to a public use trail. Joining us in our comments is the YMCA of Pickens County whose focus is to positively impact lives for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce. Upstate Forever advocates for active living and transportation policies, projects, and programs that positively impact local economies and improve public health and quality of life for citizens. We played a pivotal role in the creation of the Greenville Hospital System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail, a shared use path in Greenville County that has spurred economic development in the cities of Greenville and Travelers Rest, as well as Greenville County. A study conducted by Furman University found that local businesses nearby the trail have seen revenue increases ranging from 30 to 85 percent since the trail’s construction. Three small businesses have located near the trail due to the anticipated beneficial economic impacts. The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail has also had a major impact on the quality of life for Upstate residents. The study found that between July 2010 and June 2011, there were approximately 359,000 trail users, 80 percent of which were cyclists. Additionally, it was found that 6% of trail users were utilizing the trail for transportation purposes, reducing automobile trips and harmful emissions and improving air quality. The YMCA of Pickens County Board of Directors has offered its full support and desire to see a pedestrian trail come to fruition. A survey was conducted of the members of the Pickens County YMCA as well as past program participants on their opinions of a potential trail. Of the 544 respondents, 97% responded that they desire a trail (with only 16 opposing a trail). Healthy living is one of the three focus areas of the YMCA and this trail provides an opportunity for people to become active. While it is the personal responsibility for people to become active, it is the responsibility of the community as a whole to provide venues and opportunities for people to become active. The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce submitted an Opinion Editorial on August 16, 2012 that stated, “90 percent of our membership supports city and county leaders working together to purchase the property for the sole purpose of developing a hiking/biking trail.” The Op Ed cited the many benefits the Swamp Rabbit Trail has brought to the neighboring county of Greenville, SC as well as a recent study of the potential impacts the proposed Ecusta Trail in neighboring North Carolina could have for Henderson and Transylvania Counties. For example, the study suggested that the construction of the Ecusta Trail will create 180 jobs resulting in a $20 million impact to the local area; increase property values by $22 million; and attract more than 20,000 new visitors. The opportunity that now stands before us in Pickens County to convert the 8.5-mile rail line running from Easley to Pickens to a public use trail is one that cannot be missed. The potential economic, health, and quality of life impacts for the residents of Easley, Pickens, and all of Pickens County are just too great. In closing, on behalf of Upstate Forever, our 2,000 members, and the Upstate communities we represent, and in partnership with the YMCA, we strongly urge you to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the request of the Cities of Easley and Pickens to convert this rail line to a public use trail is granted. I certify service by U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, first class on the date of this letter to the representative of Pickens Railway Company as set forth below. Sincerely, Lisa Hallo, Program Director, Upstate Forever Sid Collins, CEO, YMCA Cindy Hopkins, President, Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce cc: Rose-Michele Nardi, Esq. Weiner Brodsky Sidman Kider PC 1300 19th Street, N.W., Fifth Floor Washington, D.C. 20036-1609 Jonathan “Fox” Simons, Jr. City Administrator City of Easley PO Box 466 Easley, SC 29641 Katherine Brackett City Administrator City of Pickens PO Box 217 Pickens, SC 29671
    Lisa Hallo · Greenville, SC
  18. (printed as 10/16/2012)
    Comment
    EI-18974Upstate Forever
    October 16, 2012 Ms. Cynthia Brown Chief of the Section of Administration Office of Proceedings Surface Transportation Board 395 E. Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 Mr. Joshua Wayland Surface Transportation Board Case Control Unit Washington, DC 20423 Re: Pickens Railway Company – Abandonment Exemption – Pickens County, S.C., AB 1097X Dear Mr. Wayland, Upstate Forever is a non-profit, membership-based organization whose mission is to promote sensible growth and protect special places across the Upstate of South Carolina. We have nearly 2,000 members, 17 staff, and two offices. We are writing to you in reference to Docket No. AB 1097X regarding the 8.5-mile rail line currently owned by Pickens Railway Company that runs from Easley, SC to Pickens, SC. Our understanding is that the Cities of Easley and Pickens have jointly filed for a request for Public Use Condition and Interim Trail Use, as well as a Statement of Willingness to Assume Financial Responsibility. We have reviewed the Environmental Analysis (EA) related to this project, which invited the comments we now submit. We support the cities in their request and encourage the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to help facilitate the conversion of this rail line to a public use trail. Joining us in our comments is the YMCA of Pickens County whose focus is to positively impact lives for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce. Upstate Forever advocates for active living and transportation policies, projects, and programs that positively impact local economies and improve public health and quality of life for citizens. We played a pivotal role in the creation of the Greenville Hospital System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail, a shared use path in Greenville County that has spurred economic development in the cities of Greenville and Travelers Rest, as well as Greenville County. A study conducted by Furman University found that local businesses nearby the trail have seen revenue increases ranging from 30 to 85 percent since the trail’s construction. Three small businesses have located near the trail due to the anticipated beneficial economic impacts. The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail has also had a major impact on the quality of life for Upstate residents. The study found that between July 2010 and June 2011, there were approximately 359,000 trail users, 80 percent of which were cyclists. Additionally, it was found that 6% of trail users were utilizing the trail for transportation purposes, reducing automobile trips and harmful emissions and improving air quality. The YMCA of Pickens County Board of Directors has offered its full support and desire to see a pedestrian trail come to fruition. A survey was conducted of the members of the Pickens County YMCA as well as past program participants on their opinions of a potential trail. Of the 544 respondents, 97% responded that they desire a trail (with only 16 opposing a trail). Healthy living is one of the three focus areas of the YMCA and this trail provides an opportunity for people to become active. While it is the personal responsibility for people to become active, it is the responsibility of the community as a whole to provide venues and opportunities for people to become active. The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce submitted an Opinion Editorial on August 16, 2012 that stated, “90 percent of our membership supports city and county leaders working together to purchase the property for the sole purpose of developing a hiking/biking trail.” The Op Ed cited the many benefits the Swamp Rabbit Trail has brought to the neighboring county of Greenville, SC as well as a recent study of the potential impacts the proposed Ecusta Trail in neighboring North Carolina could have for Henderson and Transylvania Counties. For example, the study suggested that the construction of the Ecusta Trail will create 180 jobs resulting in a $20 million impact to the local area; increase property values by $22 million; and attract more than 20,000 new visitors. The opportunity that now stands before us in Pickens County to convert the 8.5-mile rail line running from Easley to Pickens to a public use trail is one that cannot be missed. The potential economic, health, and quality of life impacts for the residents of Easley, Pickens, and all of Pickens County are just too great. In closing, on behalf of Upstate Forever, our 2,000 members, and the Upstate communities we represent, and in partnership with the YMCA, we strongly urge you to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the request of the Cities of Easley and Pickens to convert this rail line to a public use trail is granted. I certify service by U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, first class on the date of this letter to the representative of Pickens Railway Company as set forth below. Sincerely, Lisa Hallo, Program Director, Upstate Forever Sid Collins, CEO, YMCA Cindy Hopkins, President, Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce cc: Rose-Michele Nardi, Esq. Weiner Brodsky Sidman Kider PC 1300 19th Street, N.W., Fifth Floor Washington, D.C. 20036-1609 Jonathan “Fox” Simons, Jr. City Administrator City of Easley PO Box 466 Easley, SC 29641 Katherine Brackett City Administrator City of Pickens PO Box 217 Pickens, SC 29671
    Lisa Hallo · Greenville, SC
  19. (printed as 10/12/2012)
    Reply
    233181Reply
    Property Owners Along Or Near Pickens Railway
  20. (printed as 10/12/2012)
    Comment
    EI-18972Pickens County Homeowners
    Junius Smith · Pickens, South Carolina
  21. (printed as 10/9/2012)
    Reply
    233141Reply
    Pickens Railway Company
  22. (printed as 10/4/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2119Junius Smith
  23. (printed as 10/4/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2118Junius Smith
  24. served (printed as 10/2/2012)
    Decision
    42688Director, Office Of Environmental Analysis
    DETERMINED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROCESS IS UNNECESSARY AND INVITED PUBLIC COMMENT.
  25. (printed as 10/1/2012)
    Environmental
    233080Environmental Materials
    Pickens Railway Company
  26. served (printed as 9/27/2012)
    Decision
    42680Director Of Proceedings
    PROVIDED NOTICE THAT PICKENS RAILWAY COMPANY FILED A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION TO ABANDON APPROXIMATELY 8.5 MILES OF RAIL LINE BETWEEN APPROXIMATE MILEPOST 0.0 (AT OR NEAR PICKENS) AND THE END OF THE LINE AT APPROXIMATE MILEPOST 8.5 (AT OR NEAR EASLEY), IN PICKENS COUNTY, S.C.
  27. (printed as 9/27/2012)
    Trail
    233060Trail Use Request
    City Of Pickens, City Of Easley
  28. (printed as 9/25/2012)
    Comment
    EI-20234Pickens Railway Company
    Rose-Michele Nardi
  29. (printed as 9/17/2012)
    Comment
    EO-2117Accept/Reject Notice
  30. (printed as 9/7/2012)
    Notice
    232941Notice Of Exemption
    Pickens Railway Company