Norfolk Southern to Cease Relocation Aid a Year After Ohio Derailment

The decision sparks anger among residents, even as the railroad offers to pay for home cleaning and compensate for lost home value.

Norfolk Southern railroad plans to cease relocation aid to those displaced by the February 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, right after the one-year anniversary of the incident.
The railroad has committed over $103 million in aid to the area, including nearly $21 million paid directly to affected residents.
The decision to end relocation aid, effective February 9, 2024, has sparked anger among some residents.
Norfolk Southern is offering to pay for the cleaning of homes of those who haven't returned yet, and compensate those who decided to move for any lost value in their homes, provided they give up any other property damage claims against the railroad.
The railroad's response to the derailment has already cost nearly $1 billion, a figure expected to rise as cleanup continues, funds are created, and lawsuits are addressed.