‘We won’t let you down’: Norfolk Southern CEO writes message to Eastern Palestine amid ongoing train derailment worries

“I know there are still many unanswered questions,” Alan H. Shaw said in a statement. – I know you’re tired. I know that you are worried.

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – “We won’t quit.”

This is the message that Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw sends to those affected by the train derailment in East Palestine.

His letter, which was released Thursday, comes a day after Norfolk Southern officials decided not to attend an East Palestine city hall meeting, citing a “growing physical threat” to their employees.

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You can read Shaw’s full message to the community below:

“We will not leave, East Palestine.

“When I visited East Palestine last week, you told me how the train derailment has turned your life upside down and how concerned you are about the safety of your air, water and land. Many of you have also reached out to South Norfolk to share your fears, your anger and your frustrations.

“I hear you. We hear you.

“I know you also have questions about whether Norfolk Southern will be here to help fix things.

“My simple answer is that we are here and will remain here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and help East Palestine recover and prosper.

“Our work continues. Crews carefully, responsibly and safely clean the area. Our Family Assistance Center helps members of the community meet urgent needs. Together with local health authorities, we have implemented a comprehensive testing program to ensure the safety of water, air and soil. And we have set up a $1 million community support fund as a down payment for our commitment to help rebuild.

“But our work is far from over. As we continue to clean up the site, the NTSB moves ahead with its investigation, and the necessary environmental testing is in progress, I promise to keep you updated on every step.

“I know there are still many unanswered questions. I know that you are tired. I know that you are worried. We won’t let you down.”

US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Reagan visited eastern Palestine on Thursday, where he promised to hold Norfolk Southern accountable. He also confirmed that the residents are safe.

“All families need to know they are safe. All families deserve access to clean air and safe drinking water,” Reagan said. “I want this community to know that they don’t have to deal with this issue on their own. As President Biden told Governor DeWine, whatever the state needs, we’ll be there to help.”

The train crash happened on February 3rd. A few days later, officials carried out a controlled release of chemicals amid fears of an explosion at the site.

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