Transportation department announces $4 million in hazardous material safety training grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently announced more than $4 million in fiscal year 2017 grants to support hazardous material safety training.

DOT awarded grants for both Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) and Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST). HMIT grants provide funds for training instructors who then train private-sector hazardous materials employees. The SPST grants help national nonprofit fire service organizations train instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training programs for local responders.

“Enhancing the safe transport of hazardous materials by highway, rail, water, and air is one of the Department’s top priorities,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said. “These grants are force multipliers in helping communities get more local first responders and employees prepared for transportation incidents involving hazardous materials.”

The administration awarded five HMIT grants. It awarded $729,197 to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training, $399,608 to the International Chemical Workers Union Council, $817,950 to Sustainable Workplace Alliance, $708,239 to Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, $500,000 to Short Line Safety Institute.

One national nonprofit fire service organization, the International Association of Fire Fighters, received an SPST grant. The award totaled $931,000.

“Well-trained first responders play a critical role in any hazardous materials incident, and this grant funding supports their efforts to protect their communities,” PHMSA Acting Administrator Drue Pearce said. “These grants are part of our comprehensive approach to improving the safe transportation of hazardous material across the country.”