'Problems on the rails
But the U.S. railroad system, oil and gas pipelines and segments of the power grid remain a top concern.
''We are deeply concerned about the railroads,'' Koskinen says. ''We have no indication that they are going to make it.''
The rails maintain their own telecommunications system, which provides computerized operation for vital systems, such as switches and warning signals, Koskinen says.
If railroads are forced to slow down so automated functions can be carried out manually and to provide a greater margin of safety, then a broad cross section of the economy, from heavy industry to fresh foods, could be affected.
The computerized systems that control the flow of various energy products, oil, natural gas and electricity throughout the USA are still being examined. There is no way to know how well the power grid will hold up because it can't be shut down for testing.
Similarly, large banks that control their own financial networks are given a far greater chance at success than small banks or credit unions, which are dependent on others' facilities and lack the resources to pay for costly renovations.'
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