Following the establishment of an investigative docket back in November to evaluate state railroad safety programs, the Montana Public Service Commission held a meeting on Wednesday to gather further input. Spokesperson Eric Sell told KGVO about one recommendation brought to the PSC.

"The Legislative Audit Division recommended that the PSC increase the number of rail safety inspectors that we have on staff. We currently have two inspectors on staff," Sell said. "The Legislative Audit Division suggested that we increase that number to five inspectors."

Another suggestion recommended the PSC perform a statewide rail risk assessment.

"Where we're at right now, the commission is going to discuss the results of the roundtable and to see if they want to move forward with anymore research, look into these suggestions from the audit division anymore, and at the end of all that, decide if they need to bring anything before the legislature," Sell said.

Sell said the PSC is also diving into what resources would be needed to undertake both recommendations.

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