Norfolk Southern, the rail shipping company responsible for a massive train derailment that resulted in a chemical spill in Ohio, announced Friday that it will donate $300,000 to East Palestine City School District.
According to a press release, the monies are intended to go towards the support of athletics and extracurriculars events.
The donation comes after Norfolk Southern president and CEO Alan H. Shaw visited East Palestine, where he heard concerns from residents first-hand. Each of the district's three schools — East Palestine Elementary, East Palestine Middle, and East Palestine High schools — will receive $100,000.
Related: Ohio HS Forfeits Girls' Basketball Game Over Safety Concerns After Train Derailment
East Palestine schools have been cleared by local, state, and federal officials to safely host athletic and extra-curricular activities; however, schools outside the district have voluntarily forfeited games set to be held within the district. These cancellations have caused a loss of revenue for East Palestine sports programs and neighboring businesses.
"As soon as I heard that the East Palestine Bulldogs were not able to play in revenue-generating games, we took immediate action to help this community. We continue to be committed to helping East Palestine residents get back on their feet. We are in this community for the long haul, and our goal is to see the community thrive again," said Shaw.
Norfolk Southern has committed that this initial donation of $300,000 to the East Palestine City School District will be followed by additional, future financial support.
On the same day, Norfolk Southern reimbursed the Village of East Palestine Fire Department approximately $825,000 for fire equipment used in the derailment response. This follows $220,000 reimbursement to fund new equipment for the first responders.
