NJDOT Opens Applications for Freight Rail Service Improvement Grants
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
(Conrail Photograph)
TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey Department of Transportation is accepting applications through Oct. 10 for $25 million in FY2026 grants for freight rail improvements.
According to the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is a program that funds “capital improvements that result in the continuation of safe and economically viable rail freight services in the state.” These funds are awarded to projects “that are significant to port commerce connectivity; eliminate rail freight missing links to New Jersey’s port facilities; and upgrade freight rail trackage to a 286,000-pound load-carrying capacity.” RFAP grants provide up to 90% of each project.
The state’s System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) is used for applications. NJBIA says owners and operators of short line railroads in New Jersey “that have an existing use and maintenance arrangement with the owner” can apply. Any applicant must have an approved Eligibility Assessment form through SAGE before submitting an application, and an applicant can submit up to two applications each fiscal year.
The state has invested $194.1 million in New Jersey’s freight rail services “using Transportation Trust Fund monies, leveraging an additional $56.4 million from railroad owners and operators, for a total of nearly $250.5 million in Rail Freight Assistance Program investment.”
