U.S. DOT announces availability of $24 million to restore, enhance intercity passenger rail
Written by RT&S Staff
The U.S. DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced on Nov. 6 the availability of $24 million 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 Chao.
Made available through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the FY 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 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 is published in today’s Federal Register. Applications must be received by Jan. 6, 2020. For more information, visit FRA’s Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program webpage.
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