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7/8/2020
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) yesterday awarded more than $500,000 in Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grants to law enforcement agencies to support trespass prevention.
The $528,028 in grants were awarded to 11 projects in six states: California, Florida, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina and New Jersey. The agency received 23 eligible applications for consideration.
"This money will help local law enforcement agencies deter people from taking unnecessary risks around railroad tracks, while continuing to focus on those specific populations that are known to subject themselves to such risks around railroad tracks," said FRA Administrator Ronald Batory in a press release.
In awarding the grants, the FRA focused on trespass "hot spots," the geographic areas where law enforcement agencies have witnessed high instances of the behavior. Between 2014 and 2018, FRA research confirmed 4,721 trespassing incidents resulting in 2,412 deaths in the United States.
In making the grant selections, the agency afforded preference to 10 states with the highest numbers of trespass-related incidents. FRA officials then considered geographic diversity and applicants using innovative approaches to saving lives.
The grant program stems from priorities outlined in the FRA's "National Strategy to Prevent Trespassing on Railroad Property" issued in 2018.
A summary of the projects can be read here.