March 20, 2008: Kaptur delivers on commitment to Vermilion as $1 million dedicated to "Quiet Zone"
March 20, 2008
“The members of Concerned Citizens of Vermilion have proceeded with due diligence and an unwavering commitment in their efforts to address the noise created by increased train traffic,” Kaptur said during a visit here. “I promised to help in one of my first ‘Congressional Listening Sessions’ after Erie County was added to the 9th District. I am pleased to honor this commitment to a more livable community. I applaud the city and its concerned citizens for working together towards a solution that will result in a safer, more peaceful community,” said Kaptur.
Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads applied in June, 1997 for joint acquisition of Conrail lines in Northeastern Ohio, resulting in a threefold increase in freight train traffic through the area. A 2003 agreement rerouted 97 trains a day traversing the center of Vermilion. The Concerned Citizens of Vermilion organized to address the noise caused by increased traffic. Although the city could qualify for funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s designation of “quiet zones,” state constraints prohibited the community from obtaining it. The group eventually met with Kaptur, explaining the documented loss of tourist trade and businesses from the noise of 97 train whistles blasting through every day. Study had demonstrated that a “quiet zone” through which train whistles would not be blown could be achieved by limiting the number of crossings and with the installation of quad gates at crossings in a one mile space through the center of the city.
Kaptur worked with the Concerned Citizens of Vermilion and city officials worked together to move the “quiet zone” concept forward. “Though work towards the final plan remains, today we celebrate the perseverance of a community engaged in an effort to make community improvements and accommodate important economic activity at the same time,” Kaptur said.
What are railroad quiet zones?
“A quiet zone is a railroad grade crossing at which trains are prohibited from sounding their horns in order to decrease the noise level for nearby residential communities. The train horns can be silenced only when other safety measures compensate for the absence of the horns.
“The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) train horn rule provides localities nationwide with the opportunity to establish quiet zones. The federal rule pre-empts all applicable state laws. To qualify, communities wishing to establish quiet zones must equip proposed grade crossings with adequate safety measures to overcome the decrease in safety created by silencing the train horns. The additional safety measures must be constructed at the community’s own expense and must meet federal specifications. The federal rule also contains language which for the first time restricts the volume of train horns.”
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Consumer Information Guide
Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads applied in June, 1997 for joint acquisition of Conrail lines in Northeastern Ohio, resulting in a threefold increase in freight train traffic through the area. A 2003 agreement rerouted 97 trains a day traversing the center of Vermilion. The Concerned Citizens of Vermilion organized to address the noise caused by increased traffic. Although the city could qualify for funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s designation of “quiet zones,” state constraints prohibited the community from obtaining it. The group eventually met with Kaptur, explaining the documented loss of tourist trade and businesses from the noise of 97 train whistles blasting through every day. Study had demonstrated that a “quiet zone” through which train whistles would not be blown could be achieved by limiting the number of crossings and with the installation of quad gates at crossings in a one mile space through the center of the city.
Kaptur worked with the Concerned Citizens of Vermilion and city officials worked together to move the “quiet zone” concept forward. “Though work towards the final plan remains, today we celebrate the perseverance of a community engaged in an effort to make community improvements and accommodate important economic activity at the same time,” Kaptur said.
What are railroad quiet zones?
“A quiet zone is a railroad grade crossing at which trains are prohibited from sounding their horns in order to decrease the noise level for nearby residential communities. The train horns can be silenced only when other safety measures compensate for the absence of the horns.
“The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) train horn rule provides localities nationwide with the opportunity to establish quiet zones. The federal rule pre-empts all applicable state laws. To qualify, communities wishing to establish quiet zones must equip proposed grade crossings with adequate safety measures to overcome the decrease in safety created by silencing the train horns. The additional safety measures must be constructed at the community’s own expense and must meet federal specifications. The federal rule also contains language which for the first time restricts the volume of train horns.”
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Consumer Information Guide