NOFO issued for $244 million for capital rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $244 million from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
“The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program is an important resource for railroads to upgrade infrastructure and for communities to enhance safety on tracks and at railroad crossings,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) NOFO will fund projects that increase rail transportation safety, efficiency and reliability. Eligible applications will include projects that address congestion challenges, highway-rail grade crossings, upgrade short-line railroad infrastructure, relocate rail lines, improve intercity passenger rail capital assets and deploy railroad safety technology. Both freight and passenger rail infrastructure projects are eligible.
The CRISI grant program also directs investment to rural America, with at least 25 percent of available funds reserved for projects in rural communities. This enables FRA to improve rural America’s rail infrastructure.
The department will also consider how projects support key objectives including enhancing economic vitality; leveraging federal funding; adopting life-cycle cost accounting; using innovative approaches to improve safety and expediting project delivery; and holding grant recipients accountable for achieving specific, measurable outcomes. Preference will be given to projects where the proposed federal share of total costs does not exceed 50 percent.
"These CRISI grants support safe rail systems around the country, and I encourage eligible parties with creative and innovative projects to apply by the deadline," said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory.
Since the award of FY17 and FY18 CRISI grants, including for Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation, FRA held a webinar and multiple debriefings with over 80 stakeholders to discuss ways to improve applications for funding. This gives prospective applicants greater understanding of the program and the selection criteria.
Applications for funding under this FY19 CRISI NOFO are due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. Following publication, FRA will offer web-based training and technical assistance for eligible applicants on September 4.
