WASHINGTON -  Final Congressional approval of a rail safety bill that will set aside $5 million for railroad improvements to CSX and other railways across the state that will help ensure passenger and freight safety, Senator Charles Schumer said Thursday. The Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 includes Schumer’s provision to create a grant program to help defray costs for rail infrastructure improvements across America and Upstate New York.

The railroad safety infrastructure improvement grants, which would have a $5 million annual budget through 2013, would be used for safety improvements to infrastructure, including the purchase or improvement of new cars and facilities, such as tracks, stations, bridges and tunnels. The bill will direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a long-term strategy for improving rail safety, including an annual plan and schedule for reducing the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving railroads.

“New York's rail system has been too dangerous for too long and this new grant program will improve safety at railroad crossings and help prevent the derailments that put Upstate New York residents in danger,” Schumer said. “This critical funding will allow rail systems across the country, including CSX, to ensure that our crossings and railroad tracks are safe and up-to-date for the people who depend on them.”