Norfolk Southern Senior Director Will Harden spoke one-on-one with 21 News, and reporter Corey McCrae asked how long the railroad would commit resources to the village of East Palestine.

Harden said that Norfolk Southern has no set timeline and that it would be there until the clean-up is completed, stating they were there for the long haul.

When asked about long-term concerns for residents, including potential health concerns from the hazardous chemical spill nearly two weeks ago, the railroad representative diverted from answering the question and said the company is in the remediation phase and was working with other local, state and U.S. agencies.

Harden told McCrae that the East Palestine derailment was one of the worst he has ever seen in his 32-year career with the railroad, ranking it in the top two train disasters he has seen.

21 News asked if the railroad representative about any potential risks of losing the right for possible litigation against the railroad if residents accepted any funds from the company, and Harden said that there are no hidden risks in accepting the funds, including the right to sue if needed.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine challenged Congress on Tuesday for rail reform for trains hauling hazardous materials, and when asked if Norfolk Southern supported this reform, Harden replied "We support rail safety," but didn't answer the question on reform.

Norfolk Southern said in a late press release that it would not be attending the village's informational meeting Wednesday evening citing concerns for physical safety.