Homeland Security funds UTU-TRRA security initiative

A joint rail-security project involving the United Transportation Union and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has received more than $176,000 in funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s Freight Rail Security Grant Program.

TRRA has pledged a 25 percent match to meet requirements of the federal funding.

“The UTU, which assisted TRRA with the grant application process, will now assist TRRA in designing, developing and administering drills and exercises involving management and 225 TRRA employees,” said Bruce Feltmeyer, administrative assistant to UTU International President Mike Futhey.

“The drills and exercises are aimed at improving security awareness skills and coordination between the railroad and first responders with the objective of training employees to better recognize and report suspicious activities or incidents,” Feltmeyer said. 

TRRA President Jonathan G. Carnes said TRRA “is pleased to work with our labor partners in this endeavor. Securing our railroad has never been more important, and we are thankful for the support of the UTU.”