Ohio PUCO seeks applicants for hazmat training grants

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) recently opened the application period for grants that will fund hazardous materials training.

Through the annual hazardous materials training grant program, educational institutions and local governments across Ohio are awarded grants for training to best respond to incidents related to hazardous materials. The grant application period closes May 31, PUCO officials said in a press release.

Various types of hazmat training qualify for funding, including:

• courses for first responders;
• intermodal hazardous materials training;
• incident response exercises;
• rail hazmat response training, including rail and highway incident response training; and
• hazmat planning and survey studies.

In 2022, PUCO authorized $800,000 in grants to 16 local governments and educational institutions.

Meanwhile, PUCO recently approved safety upgrades at a grade crossing in Hamilton County.

Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) will install flashing lights and a new surface at the Highland Avenue crossing in the village of Silverton by Dec. 22. Federal funds will pay $290,761, while IORY will pay $64,387 to complete the upgrades.