Hoyer: Funds Awarded for Railroad Safety Improvements
Maryland’s congressional delegation announces $800,000 in federal funding to improve safety on railroads and at train crossings across the state, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer said.
The investment will allow the Maryland Department of Transportation to perform an assessment of incidents on active railways across the state and develop a program designed to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property. Together, these investments will increase the overall safety of the state’s train transit system.
Mr. Hoyer joined US Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and US Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey in making the announcement.
“Improving rail safety can both save lives and reduce costly, time consuming delays that impact travelers and commuters. With this funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Maryland will have the tools to do just that. These federal dollars will help our state increase rail safety, prevent tragic incidents, and improve rail service for all,” the lawmakers said.
“Saving lives is MDOT’s top priority and these funds will enable the Department to prioritize high-impact safety projects at highway crossings with railroads and local governments,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the continued leadership of Team Maryland in securing this critical funding to further enhance safety in Maryland.”
The funds are provided through the US Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $5 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Congressman Hoyer is chair of the Regional Leadership Council.
For more information about Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, visit his Leader member page.
