[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           MONTANA RAIL LINK

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today an award ceremony for one of 
the nation's best and brightest short line railroads, was held to honor 
Montana Rail Link's safety record. Montana Rail Link, commonly referred 
to as MRL, offers essential and competitive freight service to a large 
number of customers along Montana's Southern rail line from Billings to 
Sandpoint, Idaho.
  MRL was honored today by being awarded the E.H. Hariman Memorial 
award. This award is specifically designated to recognize railroad 
safety improvement. Working on the railroad is not like having a desk 
job. It's not a job for the timid--it's a job where hard work and 
plenty of sweat are part of everyday tasks.
  Each year, it is tragically inevitable that railroad employees are 
involved in accidents which can result in serious injury or even death. 
With the reception of this award, it is very apparent that MRL places a 
significant value on the safety of their employees. As a Montanan, I am 
relieved to see that a Montana railroad is the recipient of this award. 
Montana railroads have a long and colorful history in the establishment 
of our state. And I have friends that work on the railroad.
  Montanans are very dependent on this rail transportation. We are 
dependent on this competitive alternative. As many are aware, I have 
introduced legislation that will help to assure the nation's shippers 
of competitive rail access. It is my intent to not only create free-
market competition in the rail industry, I would also like to improve 
service of the nation's Class 1 railroads.
  I've heard from many Montanans about the importance of rail car 
availability and affordability. The nation's rail system is dominated 
by four large behemoths of railroads. In Montana, those railroads are 
the target of much criticism based on their pricing and contractual 
practices.
  It is the short lines that help to balance out the public's 
perception of railroads. In Montana, MRL has been hailed as a very 
reliable transportation alternative. MRL has also been hailed with this 
award today.
  You've all heard me make a reference to Montana's vast distances--
from corner to corner, the distance from Alzaka to Yaak, Montana is 
equivalent to the distance from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Illinois. 
I'm sure my colleagues will agree with me, especially when you consider 
the variance in terrain we are faced with in our state. Pulling a train 
over multiple mountain passes in the dead of winter can be a daunting 
task.
  In Montana, we value good, honest, quality service. MRL is very much 
an example of what is best about Montana.

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