State Senator Ron Alting
200 West Washington Street – Indianapolis , Indiana 46204
NEWS RELEASE 09.14.05
Contact: Jim Wisco (317) 232-9521
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE—State Senator Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) attended the second meeting of the Rail Corridor Safety Committee yesterday.
The Rail Corridor Safety Committee studies the safety of rail corridors at overpasses, underpasses and crossings. The committee also reviews the railroad safety records and studies methods of encouraging cooperation among the railroads and local, state and federal governments to enhance their safety.
“This committee is very important in ensuring the safety of Hoosiers at rail crossings,” said Alting. “I have been a member of this committee in the past and believe it has a very positive impact on the safety of our railways.”
One presentation given at the meeting concerned new technology of train whistles at crossings. The purpose of this new device is to be effective in alerting those near the crossing, while trying to lessen the nuisance of the noise for nearby homes and businesses.
“We will study a variety of different issues concerning rail crossing safety and hear testimony from a number of different people,” Alting said. “We will use what we learn to determine if legislation is necessary in the upcoming session to improve our rail crossing safety.”
Indiana has one of the highest numbers of rail crossings in the nation.
Alting authored Senate Enrolled Act 30 this past legislative session to extend the existence of the Rail Corridor Safety Committee.
Senator Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes portions of Tippecanoe County .
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Jim Wisco
Communications Specialist
Senate Majority Caucus
(317) 232-9521