1999R20- SUPPORTING RAILWATCH
RESOLUTION NO.
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A RESOLUTION
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
SUPPORTING RAILWATCH AND ITS EFFORTS REGARDING
RAILROAD SAFETY.
WHEREAS, there is a train accident every ninety minutes; and
WHEREAS, local City officials have no control over mile-long trains
barreling through their communities, and which can block access to hospitals, fire
stations and other emergency services; and
WHEREAS, a train carrying hazardous materials goes off the tracks
somewhere in the United States roughly every 2 weeks, resulting in a spill and
the evacuation of people living nearby; and
WHEREAS, railroads reliance on antiquated safety technology
jeopardizes the safety of everyone, including railroad employees; and
WHEREAS, investigations have uncovered alarming safety violations,
including defective train euipment, overworked employees, a lack of employee
training, and employees who are told not to report equipment defects or injuries;
and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, more
than 80% of public railroad crossings are unprotected by lights and gates, and
more than half of all railroad crossing accidents occur at these unprotected
crossings;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
THAT, the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas supports
RailWatch and its efforts to educate the public about railroad safety and holding
the railroads accountable for railroad safety, authorizes for its name to be used
publicly by RailWatch and joins RailWatch in calling for Congressional hearings
on railroad safety.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this <2Mday of Jlu~
1999.
"
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz,TX 78154
(210) 658-7477
(SEAL OF CITY)