The Biden administration announced Monday that it has awarded more than $1.4 billion to projects that improve railway safety and boost capacity, with much of the money coming from the 2021 infrastructure law.

“These projects will make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of communities where railroads are located, and strengthening supply chains for the entire country,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The money is funding 70 projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Railroad safety has become a key concern nationwide ever since a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, in February. President Joe Biden has ordered federal agencies to hold the train’s operator Norfolk Southern accountable for the crash, but a package of proposed rail safety reforms has stalled in the Senate where the bill is still awaiting a vote. The White House is also saying that a possible government shutdown because of House Republicans would undermine railway safety.

The projects include track upgrades and bridge repairs, in addition to improving the connectivity among railways and making routes less vulnerable to extreme weather.

  • @Hazdaz
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    -51 year ago

    This is great news, but I am sure both Republicans and people on the left will find some reason to complain about this. They always do. Being in the middle seems to draw fire from all sides.

    • Altima NEO
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      51 year ago

      I mean it sounds like we’re giving private rail companies money to fix their shit.

      • @Ensign_Crab
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        51 year ago

        Wonder if there’s any oversight, or if this is just gonna be used on stock buybacks.

      • @Godric
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        -21 year ago

        Sounds like you’re proving the person above correct by finding a way to complain XD