UP lands Washington grant to erect fence at popular state park

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) last week approved a $23,000 Grade Crossing Protective Fund grant to help Union Pacific Railroad pay for the installation of about 1,000 feet of fencing between its right of way and Palouse Falls State Park in Palouse Falls, Wash.
 
Palouse Falls is a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually during spring and summer, and the proximity of the falls to UP's track presents a safety risk as visitors explore the park area, UTC officials said in a press release.

Railroad personnel have experienced several near-miss incidents as pedestrians trespass on the tracks, they said. A fence will direct the public away from the tracks to trail systems within the park.