Norfolk Southern establishes $1 million fund to support East Palestine community

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 14, 2023, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced a $1 million charitable fund to support the community of East Palestine, Ohio. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to assist those affected by a recent derailment. Alongside this fund, Norfolk Southern has already distributed over $1.2 million in financial aid to nearly 900 families and businesses for evacuation-related expenses. Additional contributions include $220,000 to the local fire department, air purifiers for residents, and comprehensive air monitoring services in schools, demonstrating the company's ongoing response to community needs.

Positive

• Established a $1 million charitable fund for East Palestine.
• Distributed over $1.2 million in financial aid to nearly 900 families and businesses.
• Reimbursed the East Palestine Fire Department $220,000 for essential equipment.
• Provided over 100 air purifiers to residents and municipal buildings.
• Conducted comprehensive air monitoring tests with no detected health risks.

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA, Feb. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced it is creating a $1 million charitable fund to be available immediately as one component of its planned support for the community of East Palestine, Ohio. The company will work with state and local leaders to identify where the donations can do the most good.

"We are committed to East Palestine today and in the future," said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw. "We will be judged by our actions. We are cleaning up the site in an environmentally responsible way, reimbursing residents affected by the derailment, and working with members of the community to identify what is needed to help East Palestine recover and thrive."

Shaw continued, "This fund allows Norfolk Southern to move quickly to meet their immediate needs. We anticipate making further charitable contributions in East Palestine as conversations continue with local leaders and members of the community." 

The contribution will supplement other efforts to support residents, businesses, and first responders, which include:

• Distributing more than $1.2 million in financial assistance to nearly 900 families and a number of businesses to cover costs related to the evacuation. Those include reimbursements and cash advancements for lodging, travel, food, clothes, and other related items.
• Reimbursed the East Palestine Fire Department $220,000 to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs, which allow firefighters to breathe compressed air when responding to fires.
• Providing more than 100 air purifiers for residents to use in their homes. Air purifiers are also being purchased for the East Palestine municipal building in coordination with the City Manager.
• Coordinating and funded cleaning and air monitoring services for the East Palestine Elementary and High Schools.
• Completing more than 400 in-home air tests in conjunction with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In-home air monitoring has not detected substances related to the incident and does not indicate a health risk.

About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of Norfolk Southern's $1 million fund for East Palestine?

The $1 million fund is intended to support the community of East Palestine, Ohio, to assist those affected by a recent derailment.

How much financial assistance has Norfolk Southern provided to residents of East Palestine?

Norfolk Southern has distributed over $1.2 million in financial aid to nearly 900 families and businesses in East Palestine.

What other contributions has Norfolk Southern made to East Palestine?

Additional contributions include $220,000 to the East Palestine Fire Department for equipment and over 100 air purifiers for residents.

When did Norfolk Southern announce its support for East Palestine?

Norfolk Southern announced its support for East Palestine on February 14, 2023.

What has Norfolk Southern done regarding air quality in East Palestine?

Norfolk Southern coordinated air monitoring services, completing over 400 in-home air tests, which detected no health risks related to the incident.