Funds now available for rail safety projects

Media Contact: (360) 664-1116 or [email protected]

UTC now accepting applications

LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is now accepting applications for funding from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF). The funds will be awarded for projects to reduce or eliminate public safety hazards at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way in Washington state.

The UTC awards these grants to railroad companies, local governments, and other parties proposing to make safety improvements at a railroad crossing or along a railroad right-of-way. Funding is also available for safety improvements at passively protected public and private railroad crossings.

Applications will be accepted until March 2027 or until funding runs out. To apply for funding, applicants can select one of three categories:

1. Safety improvements at passive crossings
2. Open call for projects, or
3. Improvements to active warning devices at public grade crossings

Applications are available at https://www.utc.wa.gov/GCPF.

The 1969 Legislature created the GCPF program to provide funding for safety measures to reduce accidents and fatalities at public and private crossings and along railroad tracks.

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, endorsing safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL). Follow WAOL on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

###