(The BLET Pennsylvania State Legislative Board issued the following news release on March 26.)
HARRISBURG, Pa. — As the focus of homeland security and defense against acts of terror shift to America’s rail system, the State legislature, supported by rail industry groups led by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), will introduce a Pennsylvania rail security and RFAC expansion bill at the Capitol in Harrisburg, Tuesday, March 30, at 9:15 a.m.
A press conference is scheduled at that time in the Media Center located on the ground floor of the State Capitol.
PA House Transportation Chairman Richard “Rick” A. Geist (R-Altoona), has been an advocate of increased rail security and has been working to develop legislation for months prior to the recent terrorist acts in Europe.
“We know we have to take a proactive stance against terrorism in Pennsylvania,” Rep. Geist said. “Following the recent terrorist attacks involving railways in Moscow and Madrid, it is apparent that our rail system is vulnerable. Through PennDOT’s Rail Freight Advisory Committee (RFAC) we will be working with a number of agencies such as PEMA, PA PUC, PA DEP and others to address this issue.”
Geist added, “the bill encompasses more than just rail security, it expands RFAC and its duties, it provides funding to the railroad companies and municipalities and it sets up a PA Rail Authority that would allow the state to own railroad rolling stock similar to Maryland’s MARC system.”
Linda Rhinehart, a public affairs specialist instrumental in coordinating the effort between state officials, legislators, railroad officials and union leaders to move the bill said, “When implemented, this bill will provide protective measures for Pennsylvania’s rail system.”
“It is unprecedented that so many diverse and historically unrelated groups will join forces to ensure this legislation moves forward,” Ms. Rhinehart said.
About 4 million Americans use a form of rail transportation each day, roughly twice as many people as travel via commercial air. Railroads transport approximately 40 percent of all intercity freight is transported by rail as well as some 67 percent of the coal used by electric companies to produce power.
“The bill calls for improved security of rail infrastructure and facilities, bridges, tunnels, terminals, rail switching areas, oil refineries and other areas of possible risk to the public’s safety.” Rhinehart said.
“It also calls for the deployment of chemical and biological weapon detection equipment and the training of railroad employees in terrorism response tactics.”
Union leaders and representatives from the major railroads serving Pennsylvania will attend the press conference along with state legislators, committee members and officials. “We’re actively ready to support this legislation,” said Ken Kertesz, Legislative Board Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). “We are the first line of defense in Pennsylvania homeland rail security and we think this bill is the first step in the right direction.”