Senators Fight To Let Counties Restrict Train Whistles Noisy Crossings Called A Detriment To Business
A six-year fight for peace and quiet in the Spokane Valley was renewed this week in the Washington state Senate.
Three Republican senators, including Bob McCaslin of the Valley, introduced legislation that would enable counties to restrict train whistles at certain railroad crossings.
Some local officials and Spokane Valley business owners said they support the bill, which is sponsored by McCaslin and cosponsors Brad Owen of Shelton and Eugene Prince of Thornton.
They say the legislation would be a boon to some Trent Avenue motel owners who claim trains that travel the tracks along Trent disturb customers when they sound their whistles, especially at night.
“That’s welcome news,” said Steve Hasson, county commissioner. “Those whistles are a real detriment to the business concerns in that area.”
Tony Lazanis, who owns the Eastgate Motel at E10625 Trent, agreed.
“I hope it makes it because the noise is so excessive that it does a lot of harm to citizens of the area,” Lazanis said.
Lazanis and Red Top Motel owner Ray Thieman have been fighting for years to get some restrictions put on trains. The Red Top is also on East Trent.
The bill would allow county governments throughout the state to enact ordinances that would restrict train whistles at gated crossings only. Cities currently have that power.
It remains to be seen where this year’s proposal goes.
A similar bill died in committee last year, and Owen was not confident about the chances of this year’s proposal.
Owen said he signed onto the bill as a way to get a dialogue going on the problem and to see if a compromise could be reached.
Railroad officials have been reluctant to restrict whistles, which they say are an important safety precaution and necessary to avoid liability.
“We just can’t ignore them,” Owen said. “But at the same time, it seems we should be able to do something to help these other folks out.”
The bill has been referred to the transportation committee.