WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) released the following statement regarding the Texas Delegation letter she recently co-led with Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) that supports the extension of the Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation deadline.
“I am pleased to join with Congressman Marc Veasey and 29 other Members of the Texas Delegation in demonstrating our support for extending the implementation deadline of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology on our nation’s railroads. As of 2012, Texas alone had 49 freight railroads, employing nearly 17,000 employees. Texas also has the most freight railroad miles in the country, which move hundreds of millions of tons of commodities each year across our state.
“If the PTC implementation deadline is not extended, we are concerned that railroads in Texas and across the country will be forced to close. This would have a crippling effect on our nation’s transportation network and severely damage our economy.
“I recognize the importance of PTC and support its implementation as soon as possible; however, it is clear that the current December 31, 2015 deadline is not realistic. Despite investing billions of dollars into PTC, unanticipated technological and regulatory delays have left railroads unable to comply with the deadline. We must prevent a shutdown of our rail network.
“I am proud the Texas Delegation is taking the lead to ensure that our nation’s railroads can continue their important role in our economy, while working to fully implement Positive Train Control technology.”
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