MEASURE COULD BRING JOBS TO FLORIDA AND ADDRESSES QUIET ZONES FOR SMALL TOWNS

Washington, Oct 17, 2007 - Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) joined the House today in approving H.R. 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act. "This measure enhances railroad safety by limiting the working hours of critical railroad personnel to prevent accidents. In addition, this measure directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider the impact of noise on local communities in establishing Quiet Zones. This is important to many towns in Florida. The bill also requires the use of Positive Train Control Systems, such as those made by Quantum Engineering in Orange Park, FL."

The House today approved H.R. 2095, which provides grants to increase rail safety and restricts serviced hours to promote safety. It increases the mandatory minimum rest period for train operating crews and train signalmen from 8 to 10 hours.

Approximately 72 trains go through the Town of Baldwin's nine railroad crossings in a 24-hour period. Explained Stearns, "Each train is required to blow its horn from four to six times at each crossing. Baldwin is working to upgrade its infrastructure to qualify as a Quiet Zone and reduce the requirement for trains to blast their horns at each crossing."

"Quantum Engineering in Orange Park developed a Positive Train Control system that enhances railroad operating safety by shutting down and stopping a train to prevent a collision," added Stearns. "This measure will increase the demand for Positive Train Control Systems, and I hope this translates into new jobs in Orange Park."