By Associated Press - Thursday, May 14, 2015

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The chair of North Dakota’s Public Service Commission says the fiery oil train derailment near Heimdal last week underscores the need for a state-run rail safety program.

Julie Fedorchak tells the Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/1A27TdI ) that it’s critical to get the new program running as soon as possible.

The North Dakota Legislature last month approved funding for a state-run rail safety pilot program intended to supplement federal oversight of oil train traffic.

The $523,000 pilot program funded by the state includes two rail safety inspectors.

Fedorchak says she hopes at least one inspector can be on the job by July 1.

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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com

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