U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Wednesday that she has secured federal funding for transportation projects, including in Vancouver, and new oil train safety measures as part of the 2015 government funding bill.
Murray, chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, said the bill is expected to pass the House and Senate in the coming days. The transportation funding includes $38.7 million for C-Tran’s planned bus rapid transit line in Vancouver.
The oil train safety measures include:
• Setting a Jan. 15, 2015, deadline for the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a final rule for new tank car design standards.
• Mandating comprehensive oil spill response plans for rail carriers.
• Paying $10 million to improve the safety of railroad grade crossings.
• Funding continued research into the volatility of Bakken crude; design standards for tank cars carrying liquefied natural gas; and retrofitting tank cars to meet new safety standards.
• Adding 15 new hazardous materials and rail safety inspectors.
