PUCO funding available for Ohio crossing upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is encouraging local governments in Ohio to apply for available state funding for grade crossing upgrades. 

With more than 5,600 public crossings in Ohio, the PUCO works with local highway authorities and railroads to ensure that rail operations and infrastructure are safe and in compliance with federal and state regulations. 

There are two state-funded programs that might be applicable for local communities: the state grade crossing upgrade program and the supplemental assistance program.

The state-funded crossing upgrade program enables local communities to share the cost of installing safety devices with the state and railroad or railroads. Communities that utilize the program might be required to provide a small portion of the project costs. Each case will be assessed on an individual basis, PUCO officials said in a news release.