Operation Lifesaver, FRA award $217,000 for rail safety education

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) yesterday announced the award of $217,000 in grants for rail safety education projects in 15 states.

The grants, funded by the Federal Railroad Association (FRA), will be distributed to Operation Lifesaver chapters in the states to pay for public education and awareness programs that promote rail-crossing safety and trespass prevention, OLI officials said in a press release.

The education projects will be promoted as part of OLI's Rail Safety Week, which will be held Sept. 24-30.

Grants will go to Operation Lifesaver programs in Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Individual grant awards range from $4,700 to $20,000.

"These grants will support strategic rail safety efforts in 15 of Operation Lifesaver's state programs, as part of our nationwide mission to eliminate collisions, injuries and deaths at crossings at rail property," said OLI President and Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Murphy.

A list of state-by-state projects can be viewed on the OLI website.