FRA opens $139 million in funding for the Special Transportation Circumstances program

A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was made on Aug. 18 by the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for making $139 million in funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) grant program. The program will provide federal funding for projects to upgrade and safeguard rail infrastructure in Alaska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The STC program provides grant funding to states that lack intercity passenger rail service or are not connected to the national rail system and includes projects such as upgrading avalanche safety systems, supporting lumber transport and installing culverts. Funding for STC projects is set aside from appropriations for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, Restoration and Enhancement, Railroad Crossing Elimination and Interstate Rail Compact programs. These investments in communities will play a crucial role in increasing safety while strengthening the supply chain by moving goods faster and at a lower cost.

“With this program, the [USDOT] is continuing its commitment to supporting infrastructure investments in rural communities,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “This funding will create jobs, grow local economies and increase rail safety and efficiency in states where geography and other circumstances create unique needs.”

This notice makes available funding for eligible projects through the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2017 through 2023. Federal funds awarded to projects may cover up to 80 percent of the total project cost.

Applications to the program are due to FRA no later than Sept. 29 at 5 p.m.

More details on the NOFA can be found at FRA's website.