Governor Perdue Announces Rail Security Partnership with CSX Transportation

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that the State of Georgia has entered into a rail security partnership with CSX Transportation (CSXT) that represents a model for use by other states on the CSXT rail system.

“Ensuring that our freight rail system is secure is critical in working towards a safer Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “Today’s announcement establishes a public-private partnership that takes a great step toward providing greater protection to the citizens of this state. CSXT deserves credit for stepping up and serving as a model for other private sector companies to emulate.”

The unique public-private partnership formalizes and enhances the ongoing commitment between state government and CSXT to share information, resources and strategies in order to better protect the communities both entities serve.

The partnership, called SecureNOW, provides Georgia Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security (GEMA-OHS) officials with access to CSXT's Network Operations Workstation (NOW) System. This secure on-line system, developed and used by CSXT, allows state and local public safety and law enforcement officials to independently track the location of CSXT trains and the contents of rail cars being hauled by CSXT in Georgia in a nearly real-time environment.

“We’re pleased to be the first railroad and among the first private industries to formalize security partnerships with the State of Georgia in order to jointly safeguard both the communities we serve, and our ability to move the goods so critical to the economy,” said David Brown, CSXT Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

In addition to providing access to the NOW System, CSXT works with state and local law enforcement officials in Georgia on joint rail security training and preparedness exercises, and provides round-the-clock access to CSX rail security professionals.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of working closely with CSXT on security issues of mutual concern in order to protect the citizens of our state, and the rail network that helps support the region’s economy,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “We also must acknowledge CSXT’s ongoing commitment to cooperating with us in the mission of safeguarding the public.”

About CSX Transportation

CSX Transportation Inc. is a principal operating company of CSX Corporation. CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The Company's transportation network spans 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports.

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