New Jersey among states receiving rail safety grant funding for public awareness campaign
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is among 12 states selected to receive federal funding for rail safety awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and trespassing near railroad tracks.
Operation Lifesaver Inc., in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, announced $220,200 in competitive grants to support safety outreach efforts nationwide. The FRA contributed $175,200 of the total funding.
In New Jersey, the grant will support a “See Tracks? Think Train®” campaign scheduled for September, featuring moving billboard advertisements placed on delivery trucks traveling local, county and state roadways. The campaign will use banners and posters displayed on multiple sides of vehicles to reach drivers and pedestrians across the state.
“We are excited to announce this year’s grant recipients. Operation Lifesaver state programs are leading the way in delivering rail safety education in communities across the country,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Their innovative, community-based outreach helps people understand the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains and saves lives. We’re grateful to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh for their continued partnership in supporting this lifesaving work.”
“FRA is proud to continue and strengthen its support of Operation Lifesaver, Inc.’s lifesaving mission, as preventable grade crossing and trespassing incidents remain a serious challenge across the nation,” said James Payne, staff director of the FRA Grade Crossing and Trespasser Outreach Division. “These competitive grants provide critical funding that empowers OLI state organizations to conduct highly effective public outreach, deterring the leading causes of rail-related deaths and injuries while raising awareness to reduce these tragedies.”
“Increasing the public’s awareness about grade crossings, trespassing and suicide are societal challenges for railways worldwide. In the USA, Operation Lifesaver has long been front and center in dealing with them through education and outreach. We are honored to stand as dedicated supporters of OLI’s lifesaving mission for the eighth consecutive year,” said Henry Posner III, chairman of the Posner Foundation and the Iowa Interstate Railroad.
Maleh added, “Everyone has a role to play in rail safety education. We encourage people to connect with OLI on social media, request a free rail safety education presentation, volunteer and explore resources at oli.org. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”
Officials said the grants will fund campaigns focused on grade crossing safety and trespass prevention, with many initiatives timed to coincide with See Tracks? Think Train® Week, scheduled for Sept. 21–27.
The program is designed to improve awareness and encourage safer behavior around railroad tracks, helping to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities nationwide.
