Washington UTC Now Accepting Applications for Rail Safety Projects
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), a state agency responsible for investigating train accidents, inspecting public railroad crossings, and approving rail-safety improvement projects, announced Aug. 30 that it is now accepting applications for Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) grants to “help stop or reduce public safety hazards at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way in Washington state.” Applications will be accepted until March 2025 or until the funding is depleted.
The commission administers the GCPF, which was created in 1969, to provide grants to railroad companies, local governments, and other entities that propose to make safety improvements at a railroad crossing or along a railroad right-of-way. Funding is also available for safety improvements at passive (no lights and gates) public railroad crossings and for implementing other safety projects.
The UTC will consider and select projects for funding based on the following:
- The relative severity of the hazard being addressed.
- The safety benefits resulting from a project.
- The costs of implementing a project.
- Geographic diversity.
- Public equity.
- Available funds.
Railroad companies regulated by the commission must be in compliance with all state laws and rules in order to be considered for grant funding.
To apply for funds, applicants can select one of three categories: safety improvements at passive crossings, open call for projects, and improvements to active warning devices at public grade crossings. Applications are available here.
