State Funds Available for Rail Safety Projects

Courthouse Journal
Washington State Association of Counties &
Washington Association of County Officials
September 23, 2002

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), through its Rail Safety Division, has funds available for grade crossing safety projects that upgrade or install signaling and other warning devices at rail/highway intersections. The funds currently available require a local contribution of 30 percent. If interested in applying for these funds, contact Mike Rowswell, Rail Safety Director, at (360) 664-1265 or mrowswell@wutc.wa.gov.

The WUTC is also interested in feedback from local governments who have rail safety projects that do not fit the above description. The WUTC may seek authorization from the Legislature to make this program more flexible, by allowing a broader array of safety projects and requiring no local contribution. In particular, they are interested in:

• Proposed projects that do not qualify for federal funds under the Federal Rail Administration's crossing safety program;
• Proposed projects to improve pedestrian safety in and near rail right-of-ways;
• Creative or innovative solutions to rail safety problems;
• Equipment or technology that would improve enforcement at rail crossings or trespassing on tracks or other rail property.

To provide feedback on these questions, contact Beth Redfield, Policy Director, at (360) 664-1206 or bredfield@wutc.wa.gov.