CSX says separate deals are in the works for both lines, but no deals have been finalized. The lines account for 175 miles of the 812 miles of track that Jacksonville, FL-based CSX owns and operates in Michigan.

CSX says in one proposed deal, a partnership of four railway systems would purchase the 127 miles of track running from Grand Rapids to Manistee. Marquette Rail Corp.--a partnership of Progressive Rail Corp., Lake States Railway, Farm Rail Systems and TranSolutions Inc.--would own the tracks but lease the land from CSX.

The other proposal would have Michigan Shore Railroad leasing both the tracks and the land that make up the 48-mile rail line between West Olive in western Ottawa County and Fremont in southwestern Newaygo County. CSX spokeswoman Kim Skorniak says CSX is selling the lines as part of a larger program to redistribute its resources. CSX ships 186,000 carloads on Michigan tracks every year.