06/19/2014 Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to authorize funding for a new Short Line Rail Safety Institute,

By Holly Gilbert Stowell

Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to authorize funding for a new Short Line Rail Safety Institute, which would “enhance the safety practices and culture of short line railroads,” Government Security News reports. The legislation, sponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), both members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, say the bill would provide continuing information for trains carrying passengers as well as hazardous supplies through the country. Sen. Collins pointed to the tragedy in Lac-Megantic, Quebec last year in which an oil train derailed and exploded, killing 42, as a reason for bolstering short rail railroad security. “We must ensure that we are taking the necessary steps to prevent another Lac-Megantic, while not overburdening an industry that has a proven track record of safety,” she said.
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