FRA issues $5.8 million NOFO for new program that will advance intercity passenger rail development

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $5.8 million in funding for the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Program, which is a new competitive grant program established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program will provide federal funding and technical assistance to entities implementing IRCs, which FRA says are a vital early step to delivering rail projects in local communities.

IRCs are identical agreements passed into law by two or more states that support and facilitate development of multi-state and regional intercity passenger rail services. Funding from the new program will provide eligible entities the opportunity to improve, promote and develop passenger rail service across and between their states.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing billions to increase rail safety and expand passenger rail service across the country, and this program provides yet another opportunity to deliver the 21st century rail network Americans need and deserve,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “The Interstate Rail Compacts Program will facilitate multi-state partnerships to bring world-class passenger rail to more communities while supporting the long-term growth of America’s rail network.”

Grants awarded through the IRC program will be eligible to fund the costs of administering IRCs; stems planning, including studying the impacts on freight rail operations and ridership; promotion of intercity passenger rail operation; preparation of applications for competitive federal grant programs and operations coordination.

While the funds awarded through the IRC program will not directly fund rail capital projects, activities supported by it will help prepare entities implementing IRCs to deliver rail capital projects to communities across their regions that are aligned with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strategic goals.