45 U.S.C. § 1016 — Temporary rail banking

During the 180 days beginning May 30, 1980, no Rock Island Railroad^* rail line or facility approved for abandonment by the Commission or bankruptcy court may be downgraded, scrapped, or otherwise disposed of without the Secretary’s approval. Before abandonment is approved and the 180 days end, the Secretary^* may not approve transferring it to a carrier or other entity that does not provide, or was not formed to provide, railroad services. On the Railroad’s application, the Secretary must approve the disposition unless (1) a carrier, shipper, State, or other interested party has written that it wants to buy, lease, or rehabilitate the particular line or facility to provide rail service, and (2) there is a reasonable expectation that the purchase will be completed.