Rail Transportation Safety

WHEREAS the Transportation Safety Board has recommended: a tougher standards for Class lll tank cars; b strategic route planning and safer train operations for all trains carrying dangerous goods; and c emergency response assistance plans along routes where large volumes of hazardous materials are being shipped: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the federal government to legislate rail carriers to carry out the Transportation Safety Boards recommendations and provide local governments with: a timely information regarding the frequency of Class lll tank cars travelling through communities carrying hazardous materials; b emergency response plans, including estimated response times from emergency response bases to communities; and c personnel and stockpiles of emergency equipment situated as to ensure adequate and timely responses to railcar emergencies.