BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Legislature has approved funding for a state-run rail safety pilot program intended to supplement federal oversight of burgeoning oil train traffic.
Senators and House members voted Monday to fund the $523,000 program that includes two rail safety inspectors. The funding is part of the Public Service Commission's $22.2 million budget.
The Senate had approved the program in the commission's budget in February. But the House Appropriations Committee removed the funding from the agency's budget earlier this month.
Opponents of the funding have said the additional state inspectors are not needed because it would duplicate federal efforts.
A House-Senate conference committee had been deadlocked for several days about the proposal, but finally decided to resolve the differences and fund the program.