Number
150076
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI AND BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution relating to inspections of the railroad tracks, crossings and bridges on which Bakken crude oil is carried through Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution urges state and federal regulators to conduct immediate and thorough inspections of the railroad tracks, crossings and bridges on which Bakken crude oil is carried through Milwaukee. It also expresses the City’s support for federal legislation increasing overall safety on rail line and the frequency of rail inspections.
Body
Whereas, Bakken crude oil, a highly combustible liquid, is transported via rail throughout Milwaukee; and
Whereas, At an increasing rate, oil is being transported via rail, and there has been a marked increase in oil train derailments, with the U.S. Department of Transportation predicting an average of 10 derailments of trains hauling oil per year; and
Whereas, H.R.1679, the Bakken Crude Stabilization Act of 2015, and S.R. 853, the Rail Shipper Fairness Act of 2015, have been introduced in the U.S. Congress; and
Whereas, According to the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, track defects are the second leading cause of accidents on railways in the United States; and
Whereas, Milwaukee has multiple railway bridges and trestles, some dating over 100 years old; and
Whereas, Many of these railway bridges appear rusty, unkempt, and dilapidated, conveying the message that they are not well-maintained and stable; and
Whereas, Rail lines in Milwaukee pass through downtown and many other densely-populated areas; and
Whereas, In the event of a derailment and subsequent evacuation procedure, Milwaukee has an estimated 100,000 people living within a half mile of the rail lines; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee urges rail line owners and state and federal regulators to conduct immediate and thorough inspections of the railroad tracks, crossings and bridges on which Bakken crude oil is carried through Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the results of inspections performed on railroad tracks, crossings and bridges within the limits of the City of Milwaukee be sent to the Common Council; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City supports pending federal legislation increasing overall safety on rail lines and the frequency of rail inspections; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall send copies of this resolution to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, and Milwaukee’s delegations to the Wisconsin Legislature and the U.S. Congress.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB158072-1
Adam Wickersham
04/24/2015