NS
NS announced Jan. 6 that the Class I has awarded more than $6 million in 2024 to 408 organizations through its Safety First and Thriving Communities grant programs.
Launched in 2023, the Safety First and Thriving Communities grant programs provide funding to organizations making a positive impact in communities across NS’s 22-state rail network:
- Safety First: Awarded $2.2 million to 184 organizations in 19 states to enhance emergency response capabilities and promote community safety.
- Thriving Communities: Awarded $4.1 million to 224 organizations in 20 states for initiatives in sustainability, workforce development, and housing stability.
The awards, NS says, align with the pillars of the Class I’s community impact program: safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. Highlights include:
Safety
- Replacing the Springfield Fire Department’s Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team’s supply of firefighting foam in Springfield, Ill.
- Upgrading rescue equipment used in emergencies for the City of Orrville Fire Department in Ohio.
Sustainability
- Conserving and protecting land along the 25-mile lower Appomattox River corridor through invasive plant management and conservation resources by Friends of the Lower Appomattox River Inc. in Petersburg, Va.
- Supporting environmental conservation through the American Climate Corps Certified Arborist Training Program in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Workforce Development
- Funding skilled labor and job readiness training through the City Fields Workforce Development program in Cleveland, Tenn.
- Helping Preparing Georgia Students for Today’s Workforce as the group equips students with hands-on experience and practical knowledge for career success in Atlanta.
Thriving Communities
- Supporting Hope Atlanta in their mission to assist individuals who are unhoused or at risk of losing stable housing through rapid rehousing, rental assistance, utility deposits, and comprehensive case management support.
- Supporting hunger relief and addressing health inequities through Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana’s Nourishing New Orleans program in New Orleans.
“At Norfolk Southern, we are committed to supporting organizations that create stronger communities across our network,” said Director NS Foundation and Community Impact Kristin Wong. “We are honored to assist local organizations in promoting safe operations, developing their local work force, and building resilient communities in the areas where we live and work.”
The grant application process for 2025 will be open from April 1, 2025, through September 1, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about NS’s corporate giving initiatives or apply for a grant, visit here.
UP
Union Pacific and subsidiary PS Technology were recently recognized for “Digital Transformation of the Year” at the Digital Engineering Awards, the Class I recently announced via a LinkedIn post.
The team was honored for development of Physics Train Builder (PTB) and its advancements in safety and operational efficiency. PTB simulates more than 2,000 trains daily, giving precise recommendations for rail car placement and equipping locomotive engineers with realistic training exercises to enhance safety, according to UP.
“Our technology teams are consistently innovating to enhance safety and operational excellence. This success is a product of our strong partnership with operations leaders, working together to deliver a world-class service product,” said UP Assistant Vice President-Enterprise Systems and Commercial Technology Rushi Patel.
Each year, the Digital Engineering Awards recognize teams and individuals addressing the futuristic challenges of the evolving digital landscape.
