By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The Public Service Commission’s rail safety program would become permanent – under an amendment the Senate adopted in the PSC budget bill.

It’s in HB 1008.

The rail inspection program was approved by the Legislature in 2015, as a pilot program. It has had to be renewed every two years.

Jamestown Republican Senator Terry Wanzek.

Wanzek says inspectors have performed more than 1500 inspections. He says they found more than 10,900 defects, and 126 violations.

The Senate passed the measure unanimously. It goes back to the House for further work.