Bismarck commissioners to talk train whistles

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The Bismarck City Commission is set to talk about a new proposal to silence train whistles through part of the downtown area.

So-called "quiet zones" involve safety upgrades at street crossings. Other cities such as Fargo and Jamestown have them or are developing them. Bismarck residents in an advisory vote last year rejected a quiet zone plan that would have used city sales tax money.

The newest proposal from quiet zone supporters, set for discussion Tuesday, would affect fewer crossings and would use tax increment financing. That involves taxes paid by property owners within a district after improvement projects have raised the value of their property.

More than 200 business and property owners within the financing district are asking the city to approve a quiet zone. The Federal Railway Administration also would have to agree.

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