Hiram Mayor Frank Moran took part in the influential "Listening to Rail Workers and Communities" national roundtable on March 13, 2024, organized by the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The roundtable aimed to address pressing issues in rail safety and gather input from various stakeholders to inform future rail safety legislation.

Mayor Moran was the sole local official from across the country invited to offer a community-level perspective. Mayor Moran described the distressing aftermath of a 2021 rail safety incident when three locomotives and eight freight cars derailed in downtown Hiram.

"The recent rail incidents have not only highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety measures but also the necessity for transparent communication between rail companies and the communities they serve,” said Mayor Moran. “As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize the implementation of comprehensive rail safety reforms to prevent future incidents and ensure the protection of our residents. I am committed to working alongside federal officials and industry leaders to develop and enact these vital safety measures for the benefit of Hiram and cities like ours across the nation." 

During the roundtable, Mayor Moran highlighted the necessity for rail companies to reassess their notification processes to ensure local authorities are well-informed of the contents transported through their jurisdictions. He emphasized the critical role of first responders and advocated for expanded training on the AskRail app, a tool designed to provide essential information about rail car contents. The Hiram and Dallas city police departments, alongside the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, have expressed readiness to partake in such training.

Mayor Moran also raised concerns regarding the reliance on emerging technologies like AI for rail line inspections, urging for a balanced approach that ensures safety without foregoing human oversight. He also addressed the issue of prolonged blockages at rail intersections, highlighting their detrimental effects on local businesses and emergency response times.

The participation of Mayor Moran at the national level reflects the collective call from cities for practical, proactive solutions in rail safety legislation. His insights from Hiram’s experience are pivotal in shaping comprehensive reforms to enhance the safety and well-being of communities nationwide.

The Railway Safety Act of 2023, with its aim for sweeping rail reform, has gained substantial bipartisan support, reflecting the widespread recognition of the critical need for improved rail safety measures. Mayor Moran’s contributions at the roundtable are invaluable in advancing this cause and safeguarding the interests of Hiram and similar communities across the United States.