North Shore Railroad Honored with Veterans Engagement Award

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 —  Each year, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) highlights efforts to support veterans in the workplace and community and attract veterans through hiring practices. This year’s winner, North Shore Railroad, demonstrates noteworthy accomplishments in each of these categories, pairing highly visible community engagement with an equally strong commitment to the veterans within its own workforce. The company received the award at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Minneapolis, MN on April 13, 2026.

Lake State Railway and TGS Cedar Port Railroad Receive ASLRRA Business Development Awards

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 —  Annually, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) celebrates select railroads that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, benefitting their shippers and communities with advancements in service, operational improvements, and economic development. In 2026, ASLRRA has selected Lake State Railway and TGS Cedar Port Railroad as honorees. The awards were presented at the ASLRRA Annual Conference and Exhibition on April 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, MN.

ASLRRA Files Comments in Response to STB NEPA Proposal

STB Docket No. EP 779 – Permitting Reform - Environmental Review Process

Washington, D.C., April 24, 2026 — The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) filed comments in support of the Surface Transportation Board’s proposal to clarify, update, and streamline its environmental regulations implementing NEPA. ASLRRA endorses the Board’s efforts to align its rules with recent statutory amendments, CEQ regulatory changes, and case law, and views the proposed reallocations of authority to the Office of Environmental Analysis as a meaningful step toward more efficient decision?making. ASLRRA generally supports the expansion of categorical exclusions, incorporation of statutory deadlines and page limits, elimination of draft EAs and EISs, and the establishment of clearer procedures for environmental reviews, including in emergency situations. From the short line railroad perspective, these changes could significantly reduce time and compliance costs, freeing limited resources for infrastructure investment.

ASLRRA raises two targeted issues for the Board to address in a final rule: (1) clarification of whether the proposed exemption for “purely procedural” actions is intended to align with the existing “ministerial” exemption, and (2) consideration of whether reduced agency workload from streamlined reviews could justify lower filing fees for projects that are categorically excluded or subject to abbreviated environmental review. Overall, ASLRRA concludes that streamlined permitting reform is critical to enabling timely, cost?effective infrastructure development while maintaining reasonable environmental protections.