Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Rail topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges quiet zone for county rail crossings; highway staff say application process is underway
Summary
A Culver resident asked commissioners to start the federal quiet-zone process that can reduce train horn noise. Highway staff said county applications and studies are already in progress and the federal program could cover up to 90% of costs.
A Culver resident, Michael O'Kram, asked Marshall County commissioners on Aug. 18 to begin pursuing federal funding and engineering work to create a quiet zone at local rail crossings, saying crossings' horns are disturbing residents and that safety upgrades would allow the county to apply for an exemption.
"The best part is that the federal government will pay up to 90% of this for us," O'Kram said, noting the Federal Railroad Administration and other programs provide funds and that communities in the region have successfully created quiet zones after upgrading crossings.
County Attorney Sean said liability concerns are limited if the county follows proper procedures and the safety upgrades are implemented to federal standards. Highway Commissioner Jason told the board the county already is in contact with MACOG and has begun the application process for the next federal funding round. He urged that engineering studies and formal applications are the necessary first steps and said projects will be selected competitively.
O'Kram estimated county costs for the county’s work could range from $50,000 to $80,000 for the crossings discussed, depending on the scope; Jason confirmed the process includes engineering studies and possible coordination with INDOT for state roads and that much of the technical work could be handled through regional planning partners. Commissioners praised O'Kram's research and said staff should continue the application steps and coordinate with the Federal Railroad Administration and state agencies.
No formal board vote was required at the meeting; staff said they will continue work on the application and will await the next federal call for projects.
