North Dakota Public Service Commission hires Carson as track inspector

As part of a new rail safety program, the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) hired Karl Carson to serve as its first railroad track inspector.

Carson has worked in the rail industry for 23 years, and has familiarity with track inspections, PSC officials said in a press release.

He previously served as a division engineer with BNSF Railway Co., where he worked since 1992. He's worked in the railroad's management since 2004, PSC officials said.

In the new role with PSC, Carson will use federal safety standards to inspect and identify track and roadway worker safety deficiencies, agency officials said.

The position is part of the state's new "Railroad Safety Program," which was approved by North Dakota's legislature earlier this year. PSC has the authority to hire two track inspectors for the program.

The hiring process for the second position, a mechanical inspector, is ongoing, PSC officials said.

"We set the bar high for this program and I am extremely pleased with the quality of our first inspector," said PSC Chair Julie Fedorchak. "Karl has in-depth railroad industry knowledge, including years of track experience that will be extremely valuable in getting our program off on the right track. His background gives him significant technical credibility within the industry, and will give him a strong start as a regulator."