Two items recently reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch caught our attention.
Chemical Leak
The first was to do with a chemical leak from a derailed train in the Washington D.C. area.
With regard to our Increased Freight Traffic (IFT) project we have said from the beginning that safety must always be the top priority. Reports to do with accidents involving trains are coming in all too frequently, further emphasizing the need to keep a large separation between the tracks and the public. This cannot be done if the project engineers try to squeeze a third rail through Ashland.
Norfolk Southern Deal
The second report was an editorial that states that Norfolk Southern has received a $2 million grant from the State to keep 165 jobs in the State. This report raises the broader question as to whether the IFT project can make money without taxpayer input.
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