Grant Will Be Used for Safety Improvements around Railroad Crossings
Bennet Wrote Letter in Support of Windsor’s Grant Application
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that the Town of Windsor won a competitive $2,790,185 TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant will be used to establish quiet zones through two main residential areas in the town, including the construction of new and additional safety measures at ten public crossings.
In order to obtain a Quiet Zone designation from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), municipalities are required to implement enhanced public safety features at crossings. Senator Bennet wrote a letter of support for the Town of Windsor’s grant application.
“Sometimes Coloradans just want a little peace and quiet. Train horn noise can be a major obstacle for communities looking to revitalize different areas of town to attract new residents and businesses,” Bennet said. “Windsor and other towns along the Front Range have been working diligently to establish quiet zones near railroad crossings, and this grant will help keep people safe and provide a little tranquility.”
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program allows the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that have a significant impact on the nation, regions or metropolitan areas. TIGER grants are highly competitive.
Senator Bennet has fought to balance public safety concerns while also ensuring that train-noise regulations do not hamper economic development, including asking the Senate Commerce Committee to review the current regulations for train horns. Pressure from Bennet prompted the FRA to promise in June to work with Congress to ensure its train noise and quiet-zone rules protect public safety, while also working for Colorado communities. Bennet also worked with Senator Mark Udall to include an amendment pushing the FRA to give more flexibility to local communities in the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill, which was eventually held up by a minority of senators.