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This week, Kansas City Southern engineering executives are holding the department's annual system gang start-up meetings in Shreveport, La., to discuss 2005 maintenance-of-way plans, objectives and safety. The Class I has budgeted $40 million for 2005 MOW projects, which include installing 300,000 ties and undercutting 15 track miles.

Department heads plan to review operating rules, fall protection, regulations and hazardous materials training updates with MOW workers.

"In addition to providing refresher training, the meetings provide an opportunity to communicate to the gangs how what they do fits into the rest of the company, as well as an opportunity for them to raise concerns," said Senior Vice President of International Engineering Jerry Heavin in a prepared statement.