The FRA announced grant programs aimed at helping rail carriers improve the safety of their operating infrastructure and to help reduce trespassing onto their active rights-of-way. A Union Pacific freight train passes through Auburn, Washington on a cold winter Sunday afternoon, February 25th, 2018. Photo ©2/2018 by Nikki Burgess; all rights reserved.
The last full week of the short month of the year found a variety of actions taking place, with announcements from Canada regarding registering shippers who handle dangerous goods and the IMO releasing information about significant changes to the upcoming version of the IMDG Code taking center stage. Here’s the latest:
Transport Canada
The agency announced consultation with the public in reference to a proposal to require shippers of dangerous goods in Canada, as well as related industries, to potentially register those activities with the government there. At present this is only in the concept stage, with implementation of a final action projected for the 2020 – 2021 timeframe. If you ship DG to or form Canada, or serve that industry in Canada, this is a proposal you’ll want to review. See the current consultation here
IMO/IMDG Code
The international maritime organization released a compendium of prosed changes to the next edition of the IMDG Code. Highlights include new UN’s in the DGL, revised classification requirements for a number of hazard classes, and changes to the Special Provisions list. IMDG Code Amendment 39_18 Summary of Significant Changes.2.20.2018.Nikki Burgess
FRA
- This agency detailed the application requirements and procedures to obtain grant funding for eligible projects under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The opportunities described in this notice are available under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 20.325, ‘‘Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements.’’ The program allows rail carriers to leverage federal grants to move forward with infrastructure and equipment improvements to increase the safety level of freight and passenger transport. Applications are due no later than June 21st, 2018. See how to apply here
- The agency also announced an available grant program for law enforcement agencies that is intended to assist them with reducing trespassing onto active railroad tracks. Such trespassing is by far the leading cause of railroad related injuries and fatalities to non-employees. See the grant program information here
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