Three congressmen, Foxx to discuss rail safety in North Dakota

U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) plan to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on April 24 in Casselton, N.D., to discuss ways to improve rail safety in North Dakota.

Foxx also will meet with local leaders and update the community on steps being taken to prevent rail accidents, the three legislators said in a joint press release. On Dec. 30, 2013, a westbound BNSF Railway Co. grain train derailed about one mile west of Casselton, causing an eastbound BNSF crude train to derail. More than 20 cars carrying crude caught fire.

“We look forward to bringing Secretary Foxx to Casselton to meet with community and state leaders to ensure that we have everyone working together to improve rail safety," the legislators said. "We are doing all we can to make rail transportation safer for our communities and our state."

In January, the three politicians met with Foxx, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrator Cynthia Quarterman, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo, and several oil and rail industry leaders to develop strategies to prevent derailments and reduce the risk of fire or explosions if a derailment occurs.