The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) is continuing to focus on community relations as part of its Urban Rail Initiative. NOPB’s commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and helping those in need are cornerstones in its community outreach program.

In September, the NOPB was awarded the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) 2018 Jake Award for Safety. NOPB performed better than the Class II and Class III industry injury frequency rate averages as reported by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) during the prior year. Being recognized as one of ASLRRA’s safest railroads is a testament to NOPB’s commitment to safety.

Furthering the Railroad’s focus on safety, NOPB is partnering with Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) to certify staff members as volunteer instructors to implement rail and track safety education and outreach programs in Jefferson and Orleans Parish schools. This outreach plan will be implemented in early 2020.

NOPB also held its Fall Safety Clean-Up in October as part of the Railroad’s commitment to being a good neighbor to neighboring communities.

“The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad stands committed to be a good neighbor by doing our part to clean up the environment,” said NOPB General Manager MD “Mike” Stolzman. “We will continue these efforts not only for the benefit of the Railroad, but for everyone we meet. This is just one small way to show we care.”

Members of NOPB’s Roadway, Transportation and Bridge teams, while wearing proper safety clothing, picked up over 15 bags of trash around the tracks and right of way at Cotton Warehouse Yard.

“Participating in the clean-up was a welcomed opportunity to serve along representatives from all departments; doing a simple task that is fundamental in creating and maintaining a safe work environment,” said Maverick Henderson, NOPB’s Manager of Maintenance of Way.

To further help its neighbors, NOPB partnered with the Port of New Orleans for the first joint employee volunteer effort in support of Second Harvest Food Bank’s community hunger relief efforts in the Greater New Orleans area. NOPB and the Port employees donated nearly 900 pounds non-perishable food that was delivered to Second Harvest in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Published: November 25, 2019