FRA sets $50-million safety technology grant program

The Federal Railroad Administration will soon begin accepting grant applications for the deployment of positive train control collision avoidance systems and complementary advanced technologies under a new $50-million Rail Safety Technology Program, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo said.

FRA will begin accepting
grant applications on April 9, 2010. Eligible applicants include passenger and
freight rail carriers, railroad suppliers and state and local governments.

"Safety is our highest
priority," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "These grants will
help us get the right kinds of technologies out there to prevent train
collisions and other accidents."

The program requires that
the funded PTC projects or related systems be ready for deployment within 24
months of the grant award.

"This grant program will
accelerate the installation of PTC on key portions of the nation’s rail system,"
said Administrator Szabo. "We are glad that we can help railroads meet the
statutory deadline of 2015 for PTC implementation, and look forward to working
with them to achieve that goal."

FRA will give preference to
collaborative projects sponsored by multiple railroads and public authorities
that satisfy one or more specific objectives, particularly interoperability.
PTC systems are comprised of several components that control train movements
and speed to prevent collisions or derailments. Those seeking funds for PTC
under the program must have either received FRA approval of a Technology
Implementation Plan and PTC Implementation Plans or successfully demonstrate to
FRA that they are currently developing them.

The Rail Safety Improvement
Act of 2008 mandates the deployment of interoperable PTC systems by December
31, 2015 on mainline tracks that carry passenger trains or Poison Inhalation
Hazard /Toxic Inhalation Hazard materials. The new grant program was authorized
under RSIA and has an 80/20 cost-sharing requirement. Applications will be
reviewed immediately following the July 1, 2010 filing deadline. Selection
announcements will be made on or around September 3, 2010.

A Notice of Funds Availability
was published in the March 29 Federal Register inviting prospective grant
recipients to submit applications.