SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 25

(By Senators Snyder, Unger, Hunter and Minear)




Recognizing the Honorable Harley O. Staggers, Sr., for his role in preserving the rail industry in the United States.

Whereas, The Staggers Rail Act of 1980, authored by one of West Virginia's favorite sons, the Honorable Harley O. Staggers, Sr., effectively addressed a national rail crisis where over one fifth of our nation's railroads were bankrupt, costing the American taxpayers $250 million per year in subsidies to keep the failing railroads moving; and
Whereas, Many long-term, positive effects resulted from the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, including:
A fifty-six percent reduction of rail rates in inflation- adjusted terms;

A sixty-eight percent reduction in train accidents since 1980;

A sixty-seven percent reduction in personal injuries to rail workers since 1990;

A one hundred sixteen percent increase in hourly wages for rail employees; and

A $200 billion investment by the railroads in capital improvements since 1980; and

Whereas, Tens of thousands of West Virginians are directly dependent on a financially sound rail industry, including CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern and Central employees, retirees and their dependents; and
Whereas, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern have made significant capital investments in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The year two thousand will mark the twentieth anniversary of this landmark legislation; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the Honorable Harley O. Staggers, Sr., for his role in the preservation of the United States rail industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Honorable Harley O. Staggers, Sr., is hereby commended for the many positive benefits of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 and the importance of maintaining the provisions it sets forth; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Harley O. Staggers, Sr.