The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) administers the Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grants Program, which provides funding to train public safety and emergency services personnel in the proper management of hazardous materials spills and releases during transportation. This program ensures that first responders are well-equipped to handle hazardous incidents through specialized training courses. Political subdivisions that contract external consultants or institutions for training or planning activities are responsible for verifying the qualifications and accountability of these entities.

The grant program funds various types of training, including hazardous materials training at multiple levels (awareness, operations, technician, highway response specialist, incident command, and tank car specialist), intermodal hazardous materials training, incident response exercises, rail hazardous materials response training, and hazardous materials planning and survey studies. PUCO retains the right to approve, modify, or deny grant applications based on the needs of applicants and the availability of funds. The agency may also require matching funds from applicants to fully fund training courses.

The application period for the 2025 grant cycle opens on March 1, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025. Applications submitted outside of this period will not be considered. All grant-funded activities must be completed by May 31, 2026, and reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than June 30, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a signed grant agreement as part of their application. If approved, the PUCO chairperson will sign the grant agreement, and a fully executed copy will be provided to the recipient.

Grant recipients must adhere to specific conditions, including using funds only for approved activities, submitting reimbursement requests with proper documentation, complying with equal employment opportunity regulations, and ensuring program implementation aligns with grant agreement conditions. PUCO does not allow grant funds to be used for payroll costs of students attending training or events funded through the program. Additionally, travel, food, lodging, and other per diem costs for trainees are generally not covered, except in special circumstances with proper justification.

Joint applications are encouraged for smaller political subdivisions that anticipate collaborative responses to hazardous materials spills. Such joint training programs and "train the trainer" courses are considered cost-effective solutions. Once a grant is approved, the training must be conducted, and costs incurred can be submitted for reimbursement. Only expenses for approved training sessions will be reimbursed, and applicants must use the designated reimbursement form.

Cleveland State University (CSU) also receives statutory grant funds to provide hazardous materials training courses at its Cleveland location and other sites across Ohio. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact CSU before applying for a PUCO grant to explore available training options. For additional inquiries, applicants can reach out to the PUCO Hazardous Materials Grants Coordinator via email at HazMatGrants@puco.ohio.gov. CSU’s Center for Emergency Preparedness is also available for contact at (216) 875-9860.