FRA makes nearly $2.3 billion available in federal passenger rail grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity with $2.283 billion available through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (Partnership Program).

The program provides funding for capital projects within the United States to repair, replace or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state of good repair backlog and improve intercity passenger rail performance. This particular tranche of funds is designated for intercity rail projects located outside of the Northeast Corridor (NEC); FRA will open availability for additional Partnership Program funds for projects located on the NEC later this year.

“This is one of the two most significant investments in the past 50 years to modernize passenger train service across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Americans deserve excellent passenger rail services and through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re working to deliver it.”

Administered by FRA, the Partnership Program has long funded the revitalization of rail assets, such as fixing track, structures and grade crossings. Previous grants have funded rehabilitation type projects such as the Kalamazoo to Dearborn rail corridor in Michigan and the Piedmont Corridor in North Carolina. These routes and others are used by tens of millions of Americans each year, and new investments will increase the reliability and frequency of service and reduce delays. ..............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/21289374/fra-makes-nearly-23-billion-available-in-federal-passenger-rail-grants