Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant

The Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grants Program is administered by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to enhance the readiness and capability of public safety and emergency service personnel in handling hazardous materials incidents. The program provides financial support to Ohio-based political subdivisions that are involved in hazardous materials emergency response or planning. Its primary objective is to reduce risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials by ensuring that personnel receive up-to-date and specialized training. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions within the state of Ohio. These entities may apply individually or jointly with other subdivisions, particularly when collaborative emergency response efforts are anticipated. The grant encourages cost-efficient training models, including "train-the-trainer" formats. Additionally, subdivisions may partner with external consultants or institutions to deliver the training, but they retain full responsibility for verifying the qualifications and performance of such partners. The types of activities that qualify for funding are broad in scope. These include first-response awareness courses, operations and technician-level training, highway response specialist instruction, incident command programs, and rail/highway hazardous materials response training. Funding may also support intermodal hazardous materials courses, incident response exercises, and planning or survey studies relevant to hazardous materials transport. However, some restrictions apply. The grant cannot be used to cover payroll costs for students attending training or to fund general travel, food, or lodging costs for trainees. Travel costs for instructors are eligible but must adhere to federal per diem limits and be justified. The application period for the 2026 grant cycle runs from March 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026. Applications received outside this window will be returned. A State of Ohio Supplier ID Number is required to apply. If selected, grantees must submit a signed grant agreement, which will be finalized and signed by the PUCO chairperson. The period for completing all grant-related activities ends on May 31, 2027, and all reimbursement requests must be received by June 30, 2027. Importantly, expenses incurred before PUCO approval will not be reimbursed. Applications must be submitted with all required forms during the designated application window. Cleveland State University (CSU) is highlighted as a resource for statutory hazardous materials training and may be contacted by applicants in advance to determine alignment with training needs. CSU provides training in Cleveland and other locations across the state. All awarded grants must comply with state and federal equal employment and hiring practices, and implementation must follow the terms of the executed grant agreement. Grant applicants are evaluated based on their proposed training needs, alignment with program goals, and availability of PUCO funding. The Commission reserves the right to approve full or partial funding, request matching contributions from applicants, or deny requests altogether. Special consideration may be given to unspent funds from previous grant cycles. All correspondence and questions regarding the program should be directed to the PUCO Hazardous Materials Grants Coordinator via email at [email protected]. For those exploring training partnerships, Cleveland State University’s Center for Emergency Preparedness may be contacted by phone at (216) 875-9860.