Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that Sarah Feinberg, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has accepted an invitation to visit northern Colorado to discuss the agency’s train horn rule and the need for more flexibility to establish quiet zones. Feinberg will visit Colorado on June 17.
Following repeated requests from Bennet, the FRA in March finally agreed to gather additional feedback on the train horn rule and consider potential changes. The comment period closes on July 5, 2016.
“Community and business leaders in Colorado want the opportunity to show Administrator Feinberg how train horn noise affects their businesses and quality of life,” Bennet said. “For years, we have been fighting with them for additional flexibility to create quiet zones that meet their individual needs and maintain safety. We’re glad Administrator Feinberg is taking time to hear from Coloradans during the comment period.”
Communities throughout Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, Commerce City, Arvada, Castle Rock, Westminster, Windsor, and several mountain communities, have expressed concerns with the application of the FRA’s train horn noise rules.
The announced review of the rules followed several requests from Bennet and other members of the Congressional delegation urging the FRA to reopen the rule. Bennet also led efforts to bring Administrator Feinberg to visit Northern Colorado to meet with the communities and see firsthand how the train horn rule is affecting businesses and residents in the region. Bennet personally invited Feinberg to Northern Colorado and staff has held several conversations with the agency to arrange the visit.
Since January 2013, Bennet led efforts urging the FRA to reopen the train horn rule to allow these communities to submit new comments. He also introduced an amendment to a transportation bill that year that would require the FRA to work with Colorado communities to examine its train horn rules and consider revisions. Bennet also urged the Senate committee with jurisdiction over the FRA to review the train horn requirements.