(The following story by Connie Jo Discoe appeared on the McCook Daily Gazette website on February 11.)
McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County commissioners declined Monday morning to take any action now on the use of remote control locomotive in the county.
Sue Roth of McCook, speaking for the state legislative board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, relayed her concerns for safety when remote control locomotives are used on trains, especially for those transporting hazardous materials.
Herb Beam of McCook, local train master, told commissioners that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has no plans now to implement this technology in McCook.
He asked that commissioners delay any decisions until a BNSF representative and spokesman on remote control locomotives can speak to commissioners.
Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to table the topic indefinitely.