Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas awarded major grant funds

(Bismarck, ND) -- Operation Lifesaver, in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh have announced $230,925 in competitive rail safety awareness grants to Operation Lifesaver programs in 12 states. The FRA provided $200,000 of the total funding.

Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas receives funds for use in both North Dakota and South Dakota. In North Dakota the funds will be used for a multifaceted approach including social media campaigns; targeted outreach to photographers, Native Americans, new citizens as well as drivers of commercial trucks, buses, and farm vehicles; and continued safety events partnering with law enforcement and others.

"Education is key when it comes to saving lives," says Kevin Brown, the Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas State Coordinator. "We are so grateful for these grant funds as we know they can expand the reach of Operation Lifesaver through creative approaches to rail safety."

The FRA-funded grants also will be awarded to Operation Lifesaver organizations in California, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Dakota.

Funding from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh will support an Operation Lifesaver grant project in Minnesota.

The grants will fund a variety of crossing safety and trespass prevention public education projects, which also will be conducted in conjunction with the nonprofit safety group’s observance of Rail Safety Week, September 18th-24th.