National League of Cities Discusses Path Forward on Railway Safety
July 12, 2023 7:36AM CDT
An Amtrak train which derailed after striking a dump truck is seen beyond a corn field Monday, June 27, 2022, near Mendon, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
(MISSOURINET) – Congress is working on the Railway Safety Act of 2023, a piece of legislation that aims to improve rail safety across the U.S. This, following two deadly train derailments in Missouri recently – one outside of Madison in spring and one in Mendon last year. Brittney Kohler with the National League of Cities tells Missourinet the purpose of this bill is to make every train stay on its tracks.
The legislation would create new rail safety protocols for trains carrying hazardous materials and increases the maximum fine for violating rail safety laws from 100-thousand to $10 million. Missouri is home to an extensive rail system, making up the 10th largest number of railroad miles in the U.S.
