The DE&I, a CSX Transportation spinoff, last week applied for a Surface Transportation Board exemption that would permit it to operate and acquire the Eastern Illinois Railroad from current owner NRG Inc.
The deal would close by Dec. 31 under DE&Iās proposed timetable, which was disclosed in a Nov. 22 regulatory filing.
NRG acquired the Eastern Illinois in 1988, when Norfolk & Western sought to abandon the former Nickel Plate route.
DE&I connects with Eastern Illinois in Metcalf, Ill. The Eastern Illinois runs 53 miles from Metcalf to Neoga, Ill., and a connection with Canadian National.
The Eastern Illinois serves six shippers on the line, including grain and lumber customers.
In an Nov. 1 regulatory filing, DE&I said it was seeking eight employees to operate the Eastern Illinois.
