Cramer Kicks Off GATX, BNSF Rail Safety Training in Fargo

Press Release

Today Congressman Kevin Cramer helped kick off a rail safety training hosted by GATX Corporation and BNSF Railway in Fargo. During the two-day event GATX and BNSF will provide training to emergency responders on the proper handling of railcars using its TankTrainer and Classroom Car.

"I thank GATX and BNSF for being proactive in providing a great training opportunity for emergency responders in North Dakota. It is important for our first responders to have the knowledge necessary to react safely and effectively to situations which arise on our railways, therefore providing a sense of security which comes from the public's trust and confidence in our emergency services," Cramer said. "I am working hard in Washington to ensure PHMSA finalizes new tanker car rules in a timely fashion and the proper federal agencies have the resources necessary to continue supporting other means of rail safety."

Since joining the House of Representatives in 2013, Congressman Cramer has spearheaded efforts to enhance rail safety in North Dakota and across the country. On February 26, 2014, the Congressman provided testimony at a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing on passenger and freight rail safety. His testimony can be found here.

On September 9, 2014, the Congressman delivered remarks and questioned witnesses at a House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee hearing examining the characteristics of Bakken crude oil. A video of the hearing can be found here.

Earlier this year, Congressman Cramer became the second North Dakotan to receive the prestigious Golden Spike Award presented by the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP). NARP honored Congressman Cramer for his strong support of passenger rail and efforts to improve safety on our nation's railways.

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