NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE BETWEEN WASHINGTON CO., RAILROAD COMPANY

Noelle Buffam Send an email April 10, 2017
6 158
  

Negotiations continue between Washington County officials and Burlington-Northern-Santa-Fe Railway concerning the payment for road damages.

Washington County Judge John Brieden says the county is asking BNSF railway to pay for damages to county roads caused by machinery used to repair a railroad bridge after the May 2016 flooding:

Judge Brieden says initially the railroad company said they would take care of the cost and “make it right”. The county decided to contract out the services, which would cost approximately $3 million. However, BNSF said they would only pay for $200,000.

The county was able to negotiate the price up to $250,000, but that is where the discussions have plateaued.

Judge Brieden says the county could file a lawsuit against the railroad company, but it would come with a big risk:

Judge Brieden says they will continue to do repairs from the flood, while waiting to see how much they will be reimbursed.

“We’re weighing our options because we have options” said Brieden. “We are trying to make the best decision for our taxpayers, for our citizens, and for those who use the roads. Our objective is to do the best we can with what we got.”

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Noelle Buffam Send an email April 10, 2017
6 158

6 Comments

  2. Maybe that’s why trains are sounding their horns again in Brenham ???
    Burlington Northern not happy!!!

  3. As a sometime railroad contractor who has worked for BNSF many times, I am very sceptical that they don’t “have to pay” because of “how the laws are,” and I would sure like to see some more details on why the commisioners believe this to be the case. Anyone?

    1. Texas law favors the trucking industry in that trucks loaded at the legal maximum weight limit or with an overweight permit may travel on any Texas roadway, whether designed for trucks or not, unless the road or street has a load restriction or “no through truck” or truck route posting.
      The volume of truck traffic used to service oilfield sites and here the RR repairs causes a far greater amount of damage to local roads than is paid in road taxes by the businesses.

  4. Bird in the hand is wrth two in the Bush. WC will lose if you try to sue. Take the money now.

Back to top button