JUNCTION CITY, WI (WTAQ) – Wausau Congressman Sean Duffy wants to fine railroads $10,000 an hour for blocking a crossing.
That’s after folks in central Wisconsin complained of getting the runaround from various levels of government, as more trains block their neighborhoods.
About 100 people attended a meeting Thursday night put on by Gannett Wisconsin Media, which looked into the subject after judges said Wood and Portage counties could not enforce local penalties for train blockages.
Those tie-ups are getting longer and more common due to the increase in crude oil and frac-sand shipments, and daily federal work limits by train crews. A Canadian National representative met with individuals at the meeting.
A Duffy staffer explained the new bill for the large fines. The Republican lawmaker said he hoped it would force railroads to use better technology and common sense to “better plan their trips.”
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
