Neguse Provision to Address Train Horn Noise in Fort Collins Included in Upcoming Infrastructure Package

Washington D.C.— A proposal from Congressman Joe Neguse to address train horn noise and streamline the process to qualify for a Quiet Zone has been included in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. This provision was worked on in conjunction with City Officials in Fort Collins who are pursuing a Quiet Zone within the city. Congressman Neguse introduced the measure last Congress as an amendment to H.R. 2, and the proposal will now be included in the House’s comprehensive surface transportation bill, the INVEST in America Act.

“Residents of Fort Collins have expressed concern about the issue of noise pollution for quite some time,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “This provision will make it easier to obtain additional information that can be used to qualify for Quiet Zones for Fort Collins and other cities in similar positions. I’m pleased to see it included in the INVEST in America Act, and will continue to advocate to ensure it is incorporated into a final infrastructure package.”

Congressman Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District where multiple cities and counties have railroad tracks running through them. These tracks often run through residential and downtown business areas, and noise pollution has been a concern among residents in cities such as Fort Collins for years. The provision would require the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to report to Congress additional Supplementary Safety Measures (SSM) and Alternative Safety Measures (ASM) which can then be used by communities in the Second Congressional District to assist in qualifying for a Quiet Zone. The provision would also increase transparency by requiring the FRA to report on SSM and ASM measures that have been submitted through the Quiet Zone process and why the requests were not granted.

This provision led by Congressman Neguse is included in the INVEST in America Act infrastructure bill that was introduced in the House. The $547 billion bill will offer a new approach to federal transportation policy by making record investments in our surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, passenger rail, public transit, and ensuring that we meet our current infrastructure needs. This bill builds on H.R. 2, The Moving Forward Act, that the House passed in the 116th Congress and also included a measure on train horn noise advocated for by Congressman Neguse.

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