FRA Offering $318 Million in Rail Project Grants
The grant program "seeks to collaborate with private, state and local investments to boost much-needed rail projects across the country, and we hope interested parties will apply by the stated deadline," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
The Federal Railroad Administration recently issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program that includes more than $318 million in grant funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018. The grants will help to fund projects that improve intercity passenger and freight rail transportation safety, efficiency, and reliability. Funding for deploying positive train control systems deployment, $250 million, was provided under a separate notice published in May 2018.
"The Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements grant program seeks to collaborate with private, state and local investments to boost much-needed rail projects across the country, and we hope interested parties will apply by the stated deadline," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
The CRISI grant program directs much-needed critical investments to rural America. By directing at least 25 percent of available funds towards rural communities, the department is able to safely connect and upgrade rural America's rail infrastructure. Selection preference will be given to projects with a 50 percent non-federal funding match from any combination of private, state, or local funds. FRA also will consider how well the project aligns with key departmental objectives including supporting economic vitality; leveraging federal funding; preparing for life-cycle costs; using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite project delivery; and holding grant recipients accountable for achieving specific, measurable outcomes.
FRA will host webinars on Aug. 8 to aid eligible entities seeking funding.