APRIL 27, 2015
BISMARCK, N.D.
North Dakota's Senate has approved funding
for a state-run rail safety pilot program intended to supplement federal
oversight of burgeoning oil train traffic.
Senators voted 47-0 on Monday to fund the $523,000 program
that includes two rail safety inspectors. The funding is part of the Public
Service Commission's $22.2 million budget.
The Senate had approved the program in the PSC's budget in
February. But the House Appropriations Committee removed the funding from the
agency's budget earlier this month.
Opponents of the funding have said the additional state
inspectors are not needed because it would duplicate federal efforts.
A House-Senate conference committee had been deadlocked for
several days about the proposal, but finally decided to resolve the differences
and fund the program.
The House might take up the proposal Monday afternoon.
Source: http://www.macon.com