# Railroad Cost-of-Capital—2006
**AGENCY:**
Surface Transportation Board.
**ACTION:**
Notice of decision.
**SUMMARY:**
On April 15, 2008, the Board served a decision to update its computation of the railroad industry's cost-of-capital for 2006. The composite after-tax cost-of-capital rate for 2006 is found to be 9.94%, based on a current cost-of-debt of 5.97%; a cost of common equity capital of 11.13%; and a capital structure mix comprised of 23.05% debt and 76.95% common equity. The cost-of-capital finding made in this proceeding will be used in a variety of Board proceedings.
**EFFECTIVE DATE:**
This action is effective April 15, 2008.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Pedro Ramirez, 202-245-0333. [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, which is available on our Web site *http://www.stb.dot.gov.*
**Environmental and Energy Considerations**
This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
**Regulatory Flexibility Analysis**
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), we conclude that our action in this proceeding will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The purpose and effect of this action are to update the annual railroad industry cost-of-capital finding by the Board. No new reporting or other regulatory requirements are imposed, directly or indirectly, on small entities.
**Authority:**
49 U.S.C. 10704(a).
By the Board, Chairman Nottingham, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and Commissioner Buttrey.
Decided: April 14, 2008.
Anne K. Quinlan,
Acting Secretary.