(The Associated Press circulated the following article on July 16.)
WASHINGTON — D.C. Councilwoman Kathy Patterson is dismissing plans by the federal government to secure a rail line in the city.
She tells The Washington Post the system of cameras and sensors wouldn’t prevent a terrorist from using a high-powered rifle to blow up a rail car loaded with poisonous gas.
Mayor Tony Williams, however, says the project appears to be “a step in the right direction.”
CSX officials say they have voluntarily rerouted shipments of hazardous cargo near the U.S. Capitol building because of safety concerns.
D.C. Council members claim the voluntary rerouting isn’t enough. They passed legislation earlier this year that would’ve banned hazardous shipments on the rail line.
A federal appeals court has blocked the law pending a review of various legal issues.