On Friday, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue announced the state entered into a rail security partnership with CSX Transportation that "represents a model for use by other states," Progressive Railroading reported.
Entitled "SecureNOW," the pact calls for the state and Class I to share information, resources and security strategies. For example, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security will access CSXT's network operations workstations, or NOW system, which enables state and local public safety and law enforcement officials to track the location of CSXT trains and rail-car contents in real time.
In addition, the Class I will work with state and local law enforcement officials on joint rail security training and preparedness exercises, and provide round-the-clock access to its rail security professionals.
"We're pleased to be the first railroad and among the first private industries to formalize security partnerships with the state of Georgia," said CSXT Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Brown.
(The preceding article appeared on the Web site www.progressiverailroading.com on January 11, 2010.)
