ATLANTA — Editor's Note: The above video is from previous coverage of this story.
A resolution that could potentially push federal regulators to control stalled trains is seeing movement.
Atlanta's Transportation Committee passed the legislation Wednesday morning. It will now go to a vote on the full city council's floor on August 7.
"Seeing this legislation approved by the Transportation Committee is a positive step forward and I am committed to continuing my advocacy on this important issue,” said Councilmember Keisha Waites, who introduced the legislation.
The legislation is an effort that leaders are supporting residents through as stalled train blockages impact their neighborhoods and access to emergency services.
This comes after multiple Georgia counties received $3.2 million in federal funds, except those experiencing troubles in the Hunter Hills community in Fulton County. Residents felt left out as they have been some of the most vocal about train blockages and fought the issues for decades.
“This is a problem that is deeply impacting our residents, particularly in the Hunter Hills community," Waites added.
Councilwoman Waites has been vocal about wanting to stop the blockages after she introduced the resolution in April.
She previously expressed her anger in taking measures this far in an effort to hold CSX, the freight train company, allegedly responsible for blocking the intersections.
State Rep. Mesha Mainor also joined the fight against the company when she held a press conference earlier this year.
The legislation will request the Georgia General Assembly and Congress pass laws that will control how long freight trains can block crossings.
If the resolution passes with a city council vote, it could give penalties for each time a train blocks a crossing after 15 minutes. Penalties can get up to $5,000.
"When trains are stalled on our roads, we see disruptions and delays in traffic and increased frustration for drivers and pedestrians. It can limit visibility, create confusion, and increase safety concerns, including causing more traffic accidents,” the city councilwoman said.
State senators said previously that train blockages in Georgia remain a top priority.
"Railroad blockages are not just an inconvenience, they are a threat to health and life," Ossoff said.