# The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company—Acquisition and Operation Exemption—Montana Western Railway Company, Inc.
**AGENCY:**
Surface Transportation Board.
**ACTION:**
Notice of exemption.
**SUMMARY:**
Under 49 U.S.C. 10502, the Board is granting a petition for exemption from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 11323-25 for The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company to acquire the interest of the current operator, the Montana Western Railway Company, Inc., a Class III carrier, and to operate a 52-mile line of rail from Garrison to Butte, MT.
**DATES:**
This exemption is effective on July 23, 2003. Petitions to stay must be filed by July 8, 2003. Petitions to reopen must be filed by July 18, 2003.
**ADDRESSES:**
An original and 10 copies of all pleadings referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34330 must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, one copy of all pleadings must be served on petitioner's representative, Robert M. Jenkins III, Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, 1909 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Beryl Gordon, (202) 565-1600. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. Copies of the decision may be purchased from Dā 2 Dā Legal Copy Service by calling (202) 293-7776 (assistance for the hearing impaired is available through FIRS at 1-800-877-8339) or by visiting Suite 405, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *http://www.stb.dot.gov.*
By the Board, Chairman Nober.
Decided: June 20, 2003.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.