WASHINGTON, D.C. — Specialized equipment is headed to East Palestine thanks to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Brown’s office announced on Thursday.
According to the press release the $300,000 investment will be used to purchase specialized equipment for East Palestine to “assist in emergency response, hazard identification, and increase the response capacity of the local police and fire departments.” Equipment that will be purchased includes a drone, two international dump trucks with plow attachments, a utility truck, and other equipment. The funds were awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission as an emergency grant as in the wake of the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment.
“East Palestine knows all too well how important well-equipped first responders are to protecting Ohioans. We’re continuing to work to make this community whole, securing new equipment for East Palestine police officers and firefighters to keep them safe on the job and to protect the community they serve,” said Brown.
Brown has made regular trips to East Palestine since the rail disaster. Last month, he announced an initiative to support small business and bolster economic development in the village following a roundtable with local business owners. He also held roundtables with farmers, manufacturers, and residents and recently visited the East Liverpool Hospital Health Clinic in East Palestine.
Brown also continues to demand passage of the non-partisan Railway Safety Act that awaits a vote on the Senate floor. Brown, along with Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the bill March 1. The legislation would enhance and strengthen rail safety and mandate, among other things, wayside defect detectors, two-person crews, increased fines against rail carriers and granting the Department of Transportation the authority to institute and modify new safety requirements and procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials like vinyl chloride.
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