Applications are being accepted for grant funding for rail projects not located on the Northeast Corridor under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for fiscal year 2022.
Federal funding of approximately $2.3 billion is available to expand and modernize American intercity passenger rail, a news release said. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expands the dimensions under which eligible applicants can apply and qualify for assistance in intercity passenger and high-speed railway service improvement projects.
“This is one of the two most significant investments in the past 50 years to modernize passenger train service across the country,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “Americans deserve excellent passenger rail services, and through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re working to deliver it.”
The funding announcement, made Dec. 7, came after the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration “made available over $1.4 billion in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement funds in September for projects that improve America’s freight and passenger rail network and strengthen supply chains,” the release said. The Federal Railroad Administration administers the Partnership Program.
“This Partnership Program NOFO offers exciting opportunities to expand federal support for intercity passenger and high-speed rail services to all parts of our nation,” Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose said in the release. “FRA will work closely with States and stakeholders to provide sustained and dedicated investments in this vital mode of transportation, and together, we will reshape America’s passenger rail network for generations to come.”
The Federal Railroad Administration will use the program to support the creation of good-paying jobs and fund projects that “target at least 40% of resources and benefits towards low-income communities, disadvantaged communities, and communities underserved by affordable transportation, or overburdened communities,” the Federal Register said. Another goal is to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. ET March 7, 2023, to Grants.gov, the Federal Register reported.
