Key Congressmen last month filed a bill that would require federal transportation officials to formulate a plan to protect the nation's rail system and provide funding for security technology. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) joined Rep. Jack Quinn (R-N.Y.) and Jon Porter (R-Nev.) in sponsoring H.R. 4604, The Protecting Railroads Against Enemy Efforts Through Modernization, Planning, and Technology Act (PREEMPT).

The proposed legislation would appropriate $1 billion to implement antiterrorism programs for passenger and freight railroads. Nearly $600 million would be earmarked to safeguard tunnels used by Amtrak and commuter railroads in the Northeast.

The bill would also provide funds for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to award grants to both shippers and railroads to deploy a variety of rail security technologies. Specifically, the bill mentions funding for automated security inspection; track, structure, and right-of-way integrity monitoring; emergency bridge repair and replacement; and communication-based train control systems.

If passed, the legislation would require the DOT to develop a comprehensive security plan, including arrangements for keeping the rail network operational after a terrorist incident. It also would require the agency to consult with rail transportation stakeholders when developing that plan. In addition, the DOT and the Department of Homeland Security would have to clearly define their respective responsibilities for rail security.

The railroad industry's key lobbying group, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), expressed support for the legislation. "Recognizing the efforts already undertaken to address rail security, the bill avoids unfunded mandates by authorizing funding to implement additional security measures," said AAR President Edward R. Hamberger. "This legislation represents a solid step, and we look forward to working with the [Transportation and Infrastructure] Committee as details of the bill become finalized."