Advocates Question Plans For Hospital Near Freight Trains

UTICA, N.Y. (AP) — Advocates in Utica, New York are questioning plans to build a hospital in an area that might require evacuation if there were a freight-train derailment.

The Observer-Dispatch says trains carrying crude oil and toxic chemicals pass within a half-mile of a hospital site proposed by the Mohawk Valley Health System.

President and CEO Scott Perra says the health system and Oneida County have done extensive research on the issue.

The director of the county's emergency services says the odds of a derailment affecting the hospital are tiny. Kevin Revere says he's more concerned about homes and businesses than about a hospital built to be noncombustible.

A transportation company, CSX, says it runs freight trains through thousands of communities and often works with them on safety — a top priority.

___

Information from: Observer-Dispatch, http://www.uticaod.com