SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $120,000 to the San Bernardino Police Department’s (SBPD) Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant program. This Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding will allow the SBPD to expand education and enforcement efforts regarding railroad safety to reduce the number of rail-related injuries, deaths and suicides in San Bernardino area.

“Keeping our community safe and ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need are two of my top priorities,” said Rep. Aguilar. “This funding will help the San Bernardino Police Department prevent future accidents and tragedies. I am proud to have secured this funding and will continue to prioritize the safety of Inland Empire residents.”

“The City of San Bernardino is one of Southern California’s largest major rail hubs, posing a greater risk to the community from rail trespassing,” said Darren Goodman, Police Chief. “Therefore, the San Bernardino Police Department will use the Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant to continue to reduce the danger to the community of railroad trespassing through education and enforcement.”

According to the FRA, from 2016 to 2021, an average of 200 people die by suicide on rails and approximately 400 people die due to trespassing related incidents on rail rights-of way a year. The Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant program is a part of the FRA’s national strategy to reduce trespassing, specifically sending funding to states that have a high incidence of rail trespass injuries and deaths.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

###