The budget for the state Public Service Commission has passed both chambers with a new rail safety pilot project.
The PSC had proposed hiring three people as rail inspectors. Lawmakers allowed one full-time employee, plus a temporary worker. And the issue will be taken up again in two years.
"The people of our state don't want derailments," said Rep. Kris Wallman (D-Fargo) during House debate. "They also don't want gigantic fireballs devastating their communities."
Wallman called it a small step in a positive direction.
During Senate debate, Sen. Tyler Axness (D-Fargo) objected to the reduction in the number of employees who would work on rail safety issues. And he had harsh words for some in the House who said this is a federal responsibility.
"These are the same individuals who sent to this body no less than 5 resolutions calling on the feds to stop spending and stop overreaching regulation," said Axness. "Now they want them to just continue doing that anyway. We've also set aside millions of dollars to sue the feds over things we may not agree with. Can we be any bigger hypocrites?"
Sen. Gary Lee (R-Casselton) said the third position was more of an administrative job – and the PSC said it could absorb those duties with existing staff. Lee told the Senate this is a fair compromise – that gets the program off the ground.
"The other two are boots on the ground people that we think are good additions to the rail safety efforts necessary to assure that the trains stay on the track," said Lee.
Rep. Roscoe Streyle (R-Minot) said industry is stepping up its efforts on rail safety.
"BNSF has over 30 people involved in this," said Streyle. "FRA -- the Federal Railroad Administration -- has 10 living in North Dakota -- 2 full-time, the others split their duties with states around us," said Streyle. "There's a big commitment to rail safety."
The budget bill is on its way to Governor Dalrymple.
