BERLIN, N.H. (AP) – New federal rules requiring trains to blow their horns more often aren’t sitting well with residents who live near the tracks.

“We are desperate,” said Maureen Ramsey. “We can’t keep living this way.”

She said the number and the length of train whistles has increased this year, drowning out television and conversation.

In the middle of the night, she added, the noise “doesn’t just get you up – it sends the adrenaline running through you.”

Ramsey and other residents complainted Tuesday to Michail Grizkewitsch, a Federal Railroad Administration official.

Leon Sazonick said one whistle in the middle of the night lasted three minutes. On another occasion, he said he counted 16 blasts between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.

The new rules require trains to sound their horns three times at all public rail crossings. Many trains shuttle supplies to Berlin’s paper mills.

State railroad inspector John Robinson said train whistles have to compete with other noises to get drivers’ attention, especially because of air conditioning and elaborate sound systems.

Grizkewitsch said communities can establish quiet zones at which horns are not routinely sounded, but they must first add safety features such as gates or horns that sound mainly in one direction. He said those items can be expensive and there is limited federal funding to help pay for them.

Mayor Robert Danderson called the new rule an unfunded federal mandate.

“I think this is an overreaction in regulation,” he said.

Grizkewitsch offered to help the city set up a meeting with St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad to discuss the issue.

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Information from: The Conway Daily Sun, http://www.mountwashingtonvalley.com