[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 49, Volume 4] [Revised as of October 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 49CFR209.327] [Page 32-33] TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 209--RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES--Table of Contents Subpart D--Disqualification Procedures Sec. 209.327 Appeal. (a) Any party aggrieved by an initial decision issued under Sec. 209.323 may file an appeal. The appeal must be filed within 35 days of issuance of the initial decision with the Federal Railroad Administrator, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. A copy of the appeal shall be served on each party. The appeal shall set forth objections to the initial decision, supported by reference to applicable laws and regulations, and with specific reference to the record. If the Administrator has played any role in investigating, prosecuting, or deciding to prosecute the particular case, the Administrator shall recuse him or herself and delegate his or her authority under this section to a person not so involved. (b) A party may file a reply to an appeal within 25 days of service of the appeal. If the party relies on evidence contained in the record for the reply, the party shall specifically refer to the pertinent evidence in the record. (c) The Administrator may extend the period for filing an appeal or a response for good cause shown, provided the written request for extension is served before the expiration of the applicable period provided in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section. (d) The Administrator has sole discretion to permit oral argument on the appeal. On the Administrator's own initiative or upon written motion by any party, the Administrator may determine that oral argument will contribute substantially to the development of the issues on appeal and may grant the parties an opportunity for oral argument. (e) The Administrator may affirm, reverse, alter, or modify the decision of the presiding officer, or may remand the case for further proceedings before [[Page 33]] the presiding officer. The Administrator shall inform the parties and the presiding officer of his or her decision. (f) The decision of the Administrator is final, constitutes final agency action, and is not subject to further administrative review.