Senator Bill Weber' Shares CSX Fire Update and Railroad Safety Legislation Announcement

Rockland Daily Staff

Yesterday, Senator Bill Weber's office convened an in-person meeting with representatives from CSX Rail to demand answers and accountability. Elected Federal, State, County, and local leaders across Rockland County participated via Zoom.

It was made abundantly clear during the meeting that families, first responders, and municipalities must be made whole by CSX for all damages and costs incurred from the fire. A clear timeline and process for making claims was requested.

As a result of the meeting, CSX created a streamlined claims process. Affected homeowners can email damage estimates directly to CSX at rmfeedback@csx.com.

While CSX has performed an internal investigation, the Federal Railroad Administration must also conduct an independent investigation of last Friday's fires. During the meeting, CSX shared that it has a video of the train from the time of the incident, a copy of which they plan to provide to the Rockland County Sheriffs Office to assist them with their independent investigation.

Several weeks ago, Senator Weber began working on legislation for train safety after multiple incidents in Rockland County and the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The fires in Rockland County along the CSX rail lines this past Friday only heightened the need for such legislation.

Senate Bill 6435, which was filed today by Senator Weber, amends the transportation law concerning penalties for individuals, corporations, companies, and associations violating rules and regulations related to braking systems, steering components, coupling devices, and the transportation of hazardous materials.

In the meantime, the senator has pledged to keep Rockland County residents informed and to continue to hold CSX accountable.