JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation has entered into a rail security partnership with the states of New York and New Jersey. The agreement represents a model CSXT hopes to use with other states on its system, officials say.
The agreement was ratified on July 17.
The partnership, unique in the rail industry, formalizes and enhances CSXT’s ongoing commitment to both states to share information, resources, and strategies in order to better protect the communities in which CSXT operates.
“We’re pleased to be the first railroad and among the first private industries to formalize security partnerships with the states in order to jointly safeguard both the communities we serve, and our ability to move the goods so critical to the economy,” said David Brown, CSXT Vice President and Chief Transportation Officer.
The partnership provides New Jersey and New York security officials with access to CSXT’s Network Operations Workstation (NOW) System. This secure online system, developed and used by CSXT, allows New York and New Jersey security and law enforcement officials to independently track the location of CSXT trains and the contents of rail cars being hauled by CSXT in each state in a nearly real-time environment.
“Ensuring that our freight rail system is secure is a top priority for my administration,” said New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine. “Today’s announcement memorializes a partnership with CSXT and New York that takes a great step toward providing greater protection to the citizens of the bi-state region. CSXT deserves credit for stepping up and serving as a model for a collaborative public-private security initiative. We hope it is one that other private sector companies will emulate.”
In addition to providing access to the NOW System, CSXT works with law enforcement officials in New York and New Jersey on joint rail security training and preparedness exercises, and provides round-the-clock access to CSX rail security professionals.
“We are pleased to continue our tradition of working closely with our colleagues in New Jersey on security issues of mutual concern in order to protect the citizens of our two great states, and the rail network that helps support the region’s economy,” said New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. “We also must acknowledge CSXT’s ongoing commitment to cooperating with us in the mission of safeguarding the public.”
The partnership announcement was made in Liberty State Park, New Jersey with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Present at the event were officials from both states, and executives from CSXT.
CSX Transportation Inc. is a principal operating company of CSX Corp.
— PRNewswire-FirstCall
