State Safety Participation Program

The State Safety Participation Program consists of States employing safety inspectors in the five railroad safety inspection disciplines. State programs emphasize planned, routine compliance inspections; however, States may undertake additional investigative and surveillance activities consistent with overall program needs and individual State capabilities.

Before participation can begin, each State agency must enter into a multi-year agreement with FRA for the exercise of specified authority. This agreement may delegate investigative and surveillance authority regarding all or any part of Federal railroad safety laws.

The training of State inspectors is one of FRA’s major customer service initiatives. FRA reimburses States for travel and subsistence expenses associated with railroad safety inspector technical training. The training program helps States to develop railroad safety programs and enables qualified State inspectors to maintain technical proficiency. FRA routinely provides on-the-job training to State inspector candidates as well.

•   State Safety Participation Program Managers