Some 10 South Carolina municipalities have already responded to the city of Orangeburg's call for a coalition to oppose Norfolk Southern train speeds, City Council learned Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, Councilman Bernard Haire suggested the coalition to create a "larger voice" in dealing with the railroad. He cited the recent Graniteville disaster that resulted in nine deaths and many injuries when two trains collided and leaked deadly chlorine gas.

City Administrator John Yow reported that he had submitted the coalition call through the South Carolina Municipal Association's list serve.

"So far we've had 10 cities respond they're interested in forming a coalition to see what can be done," Yow said. "Howard Duvall (MASC executive director) has volunteered to coordinate a meeting in Columbia later. That doesn't preclude us from doing anything on the local level. There could be strength in numbers."

Yow also noted that "some of our federal legislators" are involved in proposing legislation relating to railroad safety.

"When Howard Duvall comes up with a group and we attend ... we'll decide what sort of action we'll take," Mayor Paul Miller said.

"And, through legislation as well," Yow said. "I don't want to wait until that meeting."

The mayor also noted that U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is "going to do some investigation from his office in Washington because of the Graniteville tragedy. There's a lot of national attention on what's happened ... This may be our opportunity." In addition to train speed, which City Council has repeatedly requested be reduced, the coalition will also discuss crossings, adequate warning/safety devices and hazardous materials mitigation.

In other business, council approved an additional recommendation from the City Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee.

The committee had inadvertently omitted an appropriation to the County Chamber of Commerce for publication of a visitor guide in its previously submitted report. The chamber will receive $5,950, in addition to the previously approved $8,250.

In other business, council:

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