Congers, NY – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) and State Assemblyman Alexander J. Gromack (D/C-Congers) praised a ruling by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that could silence deafening train whistles in Rockland County just hours after they stood at the edge of the West Shore Rail Line tracks to call for “quiet zones.” 

“For far too long, Rocklanders have endured the irritating sounds that come with local train traffic.  FRA has heard our call, and this ruling will help Rockland County put the brakes on deafening train whistles,” said Lowey. 

“The authorization of the FRA to allow local municipalities to establish quiet zones is well over due and welcomed by residents of Rockland and New York State,” said Gromack.

FRA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), released its decision this afternoon on the Proposed Rulemaking on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway Rail Grade Crossings.  The agency’s “Interim Final Rule” provides standards local governments can put in place to silence locomotive horns, while improving safety at railroad crossings.  Municipalities can begin applying for permission to ban train whistles immediately, and enforcement of such bans can begin December 18, 2004.

Lowey had written U.S. DOT Secretary Norman Mineta urging the passage of this rule to allow state and local governments to upgrade safety at rail crossings so that trains do not have to sound their whistles to warn pedestrians and motorists.  The quiet zone proposed for the West Shore Line could be established in Rockland County from the New Jersey border through Orangetown, Clarkstown, and Haverstraw, terminating in Tomkins Cove in the Town of Stony Point.  It would include six crossings in Orangetown, three in Haverstraw, and one in Clarkstown. 

Lowey and Gromack said that they will work to secure funds for the quiet zone, which will cost approximately $300,000 per crossing.  Lowey hopes the federal government will provide funds for this purpose in the “Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,” the major highway and transit funding bill which is renewed every six years.  This bill is expected to pass Congress early next year. 

“Today is a perfect example that when government works together great things happen.  Together we will do whatever it takes to bring these changes to Rockland residents and help make the lives of those living around the tracks more comfortable,” said Gromack.

“I hope the federal government will do its fair share to help restore some peace and quiet to the communities surrounding the railroad tracks,” said Lowey.  “Quiet zones will truly improve the quality of life for families in Rockland County.”

More information on FRA’s ruling is available at www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm.