Schumer Urges CSX, Norfolk Southern To Repair Bridges In Cheektowaga
Three Bridges In Community Are In Dire Need Of Painting And Lead Abatement
After Repair, Cheektowaga Plans To Feature Art Work Of Students On Bridges
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged CSX Rail Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation to repair three dilapidated and leadladen railroad bridges on Union Road in the Town of Cheektowaga. The town is unable to shoulder the burden of painting and potential lead abatement.
With CSX and Norfolk Southerns assistance, there is a real possibility to transform a rusty eyesore into a positive community amenity, Schumer said. This is a great opportunity to turn three old railroad bridges into something that all of Western New York can be proud of. I hope that CSX and NorfolkSouthern will step up to the plate and provide the funding required to carry out this muchneeded improvement their property.
The Town of Cheektowaga has faced some tough challenges in its recent history, and these bridges are no exception. With a population of a little over 91,500 people, Cheektowaga has fought to improve its image, its government, and its business climate. When the town began planning for the improvement of its railroad bridges, CSX and Norfolk Southern informed them of the potential presence of leadbased substances that would be a health hazard if disturbed during the cleaning and painting process. It is the potential lead abatement costs that are sending the overall price tag of this project through the roof.
Cheektowaga has an exciting plan for an artistic laminate featuring the work of local school children to be mounted on its railroad bridges. Community funding is in place to begin the process, but, due to the exorbitant cost of lead abatement, this project cannot move forward without the completion of painting and potential lead abatement. Only when the bridges are cleaned and painted will the town be able to embark upon the artistic laminate project, a project for which the business community has already pledged its support.
In personal letters to Michael J. Ward, President and CEO of CSX Railroad Corporation and Charles W. Moorman, Chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, Schumer wrote: Since the bridges are the property of CSX Rail Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation, and the presence of lead there substantially attributable to the firms operations, I believe that, in the interests of partnership and good corporate citizenship, your company should agree to fund this essential work.
