NJ Gets Snubbed In Request For Federal Crude Oil Rail Safety Funds

BERGENFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Millions of gallons of crude oil are being transported through New Jersey and yet, the Garden State will not be getting any money from the federal government to improve safety on the rail lines that carry it.

The state is receiving none of the $10 million of federal money awarded to improve safety on rail lines that carry oil.

"They're sending 15 to 30 trains a day through our town," Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz told WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron.

And each is carrying as much as 3 million gallons of crude oil, according to Schmelz.

Bergenfield has homes, schools, and government buildings all along the rail line. If there was a derailment, Schmelz said it would be catastrophic.

"This oil burns at such a hot level that we would just watch it burn; we would try and contain it and watch it burn out," he said.

The Christie administration was among 34 applicants seeking funds set aside by the Federal Railroad Administration for upgrades.

A state Department of Transportation spokesman said the agency is disappointed it didn't receive any of the grants, The Record reported.

Federal officials said more than $50 million was requested across the country -- five times more than what was available.

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