Union Pacific Railroad is seeking to abandon a 40-mile section of tracks between Elwood and Hiawatha, Kan.

The abandonment is in its early stages and has not been submitted to the Surface Transportation Board, a federal agency that must approve the move. Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis said the process could take about 18 months.

Last month, the railroad sent notification letters to a number of federal, state and local offices, including the county commissions in Doniphan and Brown counties.

Galen Weiland, director of economic development for Doniphan County, said he would ask the railroad to consider keeping the line open from Wathena, Kan., to Elwood to serve existing and potential businesses.