Aid for First Responders After Hazardous Train Incidents
This act establishes a fund to quickly provide money to local emergency responders, like fire departments and police, in the event of train accidents involving hazardous materials. It will help cover equipment costs, overtime pay, and operational expenses, while also improving advance warnings about trains carrying such loads.
Key points
Quick Financial Aid: Local emergency response groups will receive at least $250,000 immediately after a hazardous train event is declared, with potential for up to $3 million for additional costs.
Cost Coverage: Funds can be used to replace damaged equipment, pay overtime for responders, and cover other operational costs related to the incident response.
Advance Warning: Railroads will be required to provide local emergency groups with advance warning of hazardous train loads and timing, plus real-time location information.
Fund Funding: The fund will be financed by annual fees collected from rail shippers and carriers of hazardous materials with annual collections of $10 million or more.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_853
Sponsor: Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Process start date: 2025-01-31