New York – NJ, NY Anti-Terrorism Officials to Track Freight Tankers.

New York – New York and New Jersey homeland security officials today announced the formation of the nation’s first public-private “freight rail security partnership” with CSX Transportation, the largest private railroad in the eastern United States.

The agreement gives anti-terrorism investigators in both states access to CRST’s private freight tracking system, which shows in “real time” the exact position of every tanker on the tracks in either state. Of particular importance is the ability to keep constant track of CSX cars transporting hazardous materials through the region, officials said, making a joint announcement at Liberty State Park.

Although the partnership does not improve surveillence of potentially vulnerable train lines, it does give investigators information about predicting where trains – particularly those carrying toxins such as chlorine or ammonia – are most exposed to attack, said Richard Canas, New Jersey Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness. [star-ledger]