Label
Council Members Morris, Gadus and Hobbs
Title
Supporting the passage and implementation of federal legislation and regulations regarding Railroad Safety and Maintenance; and declaring an emergency.
Summary
WHEREAS, the evening of February 3, 2023, the realization of long held concerns within our nation that the Railroad Industry's cost cutting measures by the means of staff reduction and less rigorous maintenance schedules would end with a catastrophic result of the derailment of a one hundred fifty car Norfolk and Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, that was carrying hazardous materials; and
WHEREAS, some of the first recorded signs of trouble came as the train was traveling through Salem, Ohio and sparks shot from beneath the train which was recorded on surveillance video, by the time the workers on the train were aware of the problem, it was already too late; and
WHEREAS, for many years marginalized communities have been negatively affected by rail traffic concerns at a rate higher than their more affluent counterparts by long trains cutting off routes of travel making it more difficult for pedestrians and bicycle travel around the affected areas as well as cutting off of first responders to certain areas of the community; a comprehensive look at how to better serve these community members is necessary for a more equitable way of life; and
WHEREAS, rail operators and federal regulators have a duty to communities and residents around the country to provide a safe reliable means for transportation goods and people to move throughout our country, a renewed focus must be made to keep everyone safe while doing so; and
WHEREAS, the residents and workers in the State of Ohio deserve to live, work, and raise their families in an environment where there is not constant fear of catastrophic events from the rail industry; in the past month residents have read headline of the East Palestine derailment, the Springfield de...
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