ST. PAUL Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee has a hearing Friday on a rail safety bill.
Sen. Rob Kupec of Moorhead, the chief author of the bill, says the legislation was developed several months ago, but moved forward quickly after a train derailed and released toxic chemicals in Ohio in February. He says waking up to the report of another derailment in western Minnesota early Friday is yet another reason for additional rail safety training.
He says the rail safety bill is focused heavily on training for how to be prepared for what could happen, how to respond, and handling post-response of any accident.
Kupec points to the importance of additional rail safety training as large numbers of trains pass through many communities every day, including his legislative district. The train routes go right through downtown Moorhead.
“These don’t skirt around the center of towns like Moorhead, Dilworth, and Detroit Lakes,” he says.
MnDOT has two track inspectors that check nearly 4500 miles of railroad track and structures statewide to make sure the track is safe and complies with safety regulations.
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