FRA opens application process for $24 million in passenger rail grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has $24 million available in grant funding to initiate, restore or enhance intercity passenger rail service around the country.

“These grants help ensure communities continue to have access to the intercity passenger rail network that connects our country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Made available through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program provides operating assistance to initiate, restore or enhance intercity passenger rail transportation. This includes staffing, fuel, electricity, station expenses, lease payments on rolling stock, routine planned maintenance, host railroad access costs, train yard operation and administrative costs.

Groups of states, individual states, cities and other government subdivisions are eligible to apply. Amtrak and other intercity passenger rail companies also may apply.

“We’re encouraging applicants to leverage federal Restoration and Enhancement grants to support large scale, intercity passenger rail improvements,” said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory.

The statute requires FRA to prioritize several application types, including those supporting projects that foster economic development, expand transportation options in underserved communities and restore former Amtrak routes. The Notice of Funding Opportunity was published in the Nov. 6 edition of the Federal Register. Applications must be received by Jan. 6, 2020.