Conners, Conaway Railway 'Quiet Zone' Bill Advances

CONNERS/CONAWAY RAILWAY 'QUIET ZONE' BILL ADVANCES

Measure Would Help Communities Situated Near Light Rail Lines

(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway, MD that would request the federal government establish a funding program to help small towns located near light rail lines create "quiet zones" was released today by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.

"Quiet zones" are areas along light rail grade crossings where the sounding of a locomotive horn is not required.  To establish these zones, local communities must comply with the Federal Railroad Administration's stringent and expensive requirements concerning safety equipment and engineering studies.  Currently municipalities are required to meet quiet zone compliance requirements without federal funding assistance.

"Quiet zones help improve the quality of life for residents living near railroad tracks," said Conners (D-Camden).  "However, creating a quiet zone can come at great expense to a community.  The federal government should do its part to assist municipalities struggling to meet expensive quiet zone compliance standards."

The Conners/Conaway legislation (AR-97) would request the United States government to establish a funding program to help defray the costs incurred by local communities when establishing quiet zones along light rail lines.

"New Jerseyans should not be forced to foot the bill for unfunded federal mandates," said Conaway (D-Burlington).  "As our emphasis on transportation continues to highlight mass transit - especially light rail - we must ensure we have the federal financial support necessary to make quiet zones a reality."

The measure was unanimously released.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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