Today, Sens. Maria Cantwell and Roy Blunt introduced bipartisan legislation to create a $500 million competitive grant program that would support the elimination of certain highway-rail grade crossings. The grant program aims to improve the health and safety of communities – particularly underserved communities – impacted by freight operations.

“Railroads strongly support this common-sense solution to increase safety, reduce emissions and enhance transportation,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “AAR looks forward to working with Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Blunt to advance this much-needed program, which will dramatically benefit the communities in which our members serve and improve the mobility of people and goods.”