Norfolk Southern Pays $1 Million to Pennsylvania Communities Harmed by February Derailment

The cleanup of portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed on Feb. 3, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio, continues on Feb. 9, 2023. Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo

When a 151-car Norfolk Southern Railway freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3 near the Pennsylvania border, the smoke plume could be seen for miles.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 38 rail cars derailed, fire damaged an additional 12 cars, and of the train’s 20 total hazardous material cars, 11 deraile. Five of those derailed cars contained vinyl chloride, which officials released and burned, spreading it into the air.

After that, folks in the region complained of headaches, vomiting, and skin rashes which disappeared when they left the region. Citizens quickly became concerned about contamination, but officials from federal and state agencies have said tests show safe air and water quality in the area.

‘Build Back Better’

The derailment has cost Norfolk Southern millions of dollars, and the company faces numerous lawsuits and fines in connection to the incident.

On July 24, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that Norfolk Southern Corporation, at his request, has sent $1 million to communities in Western Pennsylvania to assist with community relief. This is part of the multimillion-dollar commitment Mr. Shapiro’s office says he secured from Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw, including the first $1 million the company already repaid to Pennsylvania fire departments and first responders.

The governor’s office announced the funding in a news release.

The most recent funds have been split, with Darlington Township receiving $660,000 and Lawrence County receiving $340,000 for community relief. Local leaders in Darlington Township and Lawrence County will determine how this funding will be spent.

“Every step of the way, my Administration has made clear that we are focused on delivering the help our communities need and holding Norfolk Southern accountable,” said Mr. Shapiro in the announcement. “We will continue to follow through on our promises and support the people and communities that have been impacted. This critical funding will help Darlington Township and Lawrence County build back better than before, and my administration will continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any and all impacts on our commonwealth.”

Mike Carreon, chairman of the Darlington Township Board of Supervisors, said in a statement that the $660,000 from Norfolk Southern is a start.

“To the residents of Darlington Township, know this is not a settlement, but a small step forward. We continue in discussions with Norfolk Southern in an effort to address both our short- and long-term concerns. We would like to thank all federal, state, and local officials who continue to support us as we move forward,” Mr. Carreon said.

More Funding Possible

Pennsylvanians may be eligible to receive reimbursements for losses incurred as a result of the train derailment.

In March, Mr. Shapiro announced that Norfolk Southern had completed $1 million in reimbursements to replace damaged equipment for first responders and Pennsylvania fire departments that responded to the derailment.

Dan Vogler, chairman of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners, said the board appreciates the money.

“We will be earmarking these dollars for the municipalities in our county who were in the closest proximity to the derailment along with an agency that can assist other businesses and residents throughout the county who may have been impacted,” Mr. Vogler said in a statement.

Recently Mr. Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Rich Negrin, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited a small business resource fair in Darlington Township and met with small business owners, farmers, and residents who have been affected by the derailment.

Environmental testing in the area continues. The state Department of Agriculture recently announced that samples from crops in Beaver and Washington counties show no contamination stemming from the train derailment. Area farmers requested testing of plant tissue to understand the full effect of the derailment on their agricultural products.

Pennsylvania agencies continue to see no contamination in relation to the train derailment, the news release said.