RepEMPORIUM - In response to the train derailment and subsequent chemical
spill that occurred in McKean and Cameron counties on June 30, 2006, Rep.
Marty Causer (R-Turtlepoint) recently wrote a letter to the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) seeking a special account to finance the
restoration of the area affected by the spill.

"We must do everything that we can to restore the exceptionally valued trout
streams to their original state," said Causer.

When the 28 Norfolk Southern railroad cars derailed, 44,000 gallons of
sodium hydroxide spilled into Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek, causing long-term
damage for several miles downstream.

In his Sept. 1 letter to DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty, Causer encouraged
the DEP to establish a special account to deposit all fines collected from
the Norfolk Southern Railroad as a result of the derailment.

"By setting aside an account specifically for fines paid as a result of this
incident, we can ensure that money will be available to pay for future
restoration projects in the area affected by the spill," said Causer. "I am
hopeful that the DEP will act quickly to create this account and I look
forward to working with them throughout the clean-up process."

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EJS/aec