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Officials Discuss Safety Measures One Year After Deadly After Metro-North Crash In Valhalla

VALHALLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Marking the one-year anniversary of the Metro-North Railroad crash in Valhalla that left six people dead, government officials on Monday discussed the safety measures that have been put in place since.

On Feb. 3, 2015, a Harlem line train collided with Ellen Brody's Mercedes Benz SUV, which was sitting on the tracks in the Commerce Street grade crossing, killing Brody and five passengers in the lead train car.

MORE: NTSB Photos Of Crash

Since the accident, the federal government has committed $350 million for grade crossing improvements and another $6.5 million for a public awareness campaign, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.

"The memory of that image has been a reminder for the past year that we absolutely must improve the safety of rail crossings in our communities," Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Westchester/Rockland, told reporters in a conference call.

"We must continue working together to ensure these horrific crashes don't devastate more lives," she added.

No improvements have been made to the Valhalla grade crossing where the crash occurred. Sarah Feinberg, administrator for the Federal Railroad Administration, said the National Transportation Safety Board, who is still investigating the crash.

"As NTSB comes out with their findings, they may well make recommendations," she said.

The town of Mount Pleasant has considered closing the crossing.

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