(The following editorial appeared on the San Antonio Express-News website on August 1.)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — With the leadership of County Judge Nelson Wolff, officials have launched what will be a lengthy effort to address safety issues created by hazardous material passing through San Antonio by rail.
The first meeting of state, local and railroad officials on July 16 could not possibly have produced immediate results, but it was an essential first step. Wolff initiated the meeting before a train accident last month released a cloud of chlorine gas in Southwest Bexar County that led to the deaths of two residents.
“It is the start of a pretty arduous process,” said Wolff, who vowed to get involved with the issue “beyond San Antonio.”
Rail traffic, including the transportation of hazardous materials, is vital to local business and will become more so when the local Toyota plant is up and running.
Officials must find the best approach to balancing significant safety concerns with the need to continue effective rail service. As the Express-News recently reported, federal law prevents local communities from forcing railroads to adopt new routes.
While hazardous materials transported by rail presents safety concerns, it also reduces the amount of hazardous materials that trucks haul on crowded area highways.
Union Pacific officials are participating in the discussions, and the company already has agreed to spend $2.5 million to reroute tracks near the Bexar County Jail.
Federal, state and local resources will be needed to enact a comprehensive approach along with Union Pacific resources, Wolff noted.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, is devoting time to the issue, and state officials are planning a feasibility study for rerouting tracks that run through highly populated areas.
While instant results aren’t in the cards, the cooperative effort has created momentum.
Although public alarm created by the recent tragedy will fade, work to deal with the problem as soon as possible must continue.