West Virginia will receive more than $780,000 from the federal government to improve the safety of its pipelines and crude-by-rail transportation, U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Joe Manchin (D–W.V) announced on Thursday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration awarded the state $782,849 to be used to protect residents from hazardous material transportation incidents, such as the train derailment in the southern part of the state in February that prompted the evacuation of 200 residents.
“Our state has experienced a crude-by-rail accident firsthand, and we realize the importance of making sure our first responders have the resources they need to prepare for and respond to these kinds of incidents,” Manchin said. “The oil train that derailed and exploded in Fayette County last February was not an isolated incident, and we need to do more to protect our citizens from damaging accidents while also ensuring the flow of energy products to those who need them. This grant will allow us to respond quickly and better protect West Virginia communities through the development of a long-term emergency response plan.”
West Virginia can use the funds to create or modify emergency plans as well as pay for training activities that account for energy products in bulk transportation on roads and rails.
“As the Fayette County train derailment demonstrated, we must be prepared to respond to potential incidents resulting from the rise in energy shipments,” Capito said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked to ensure funding for programs that are focused on the safe transport of energy products. I am glad West Virginia will benefit from this funding to help keep our communities safe while also seizing the potential of America’s energy boom.”