U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) said late last week that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $3 million in railroad-safety grants to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
The funds will be used to heighten railroad security and safety measures for communities throughout Waukesha County adjacent to rail lines that carry crude oil, which can be a safety hazard if proper precautions are not taken.
Late last year, Baldwin sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to emphasize the importance of these funds for Waukesha County.
Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called on 20 fellow senators last spring to ask for significant investments for a Safe Transportation of Energy Products program to address concerns, including those involving crude oil transportation through Waukesha County. The $3 million grant was funded through this program.
“I have been sounding the alarm for two years on the need to put in place strong rail-safety protections and am proud to announce this critical investment in Wisconsin’s rail infrastructure,” Baldwin said. “Protecting our communities along Wisconsin’s railways remains my top priority as we’ve seen an increase of this volatile oil being carried throughout the Badger State.”
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