1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The proposed Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act would authorize the declaration of hazardous train events and provide emergency funding for local response groups. This bill establishes the Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund to reimburse eligible state and local agencies for costs incurred in responding to train derailments or crashes involving hazardous materials. It mandates at least $250,000 in initial funding within 3 days after an event declaration, with potential for up to $3 million more within 5 days based on needs assessment. The legislation further requires railroads transporting hazardous cargo to provide advance warning and real-time location data to local emergency responders. To sustain the fund, it imposes an annual fee on shippers and carriers of hazmat by rail projected to raise at least $10 million annually. This comprehensive approach recognizes the public safety threats posed by hazmat rail transport and the urgency of supporting frontline response capabilities at the community level.