The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes available over USD 2.4 billion to improve America’s freight and intercity rail network.
“We’re opening the biggest funding round in history for the programme that modernises freight and intercity rail infrastructure. This funding will make it safer, more affordable, more sustainable, and more efficient for people and goods to move by rail across the country,” the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
The funding opportunity includes funding for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on more than USD 1.4 billion in CRISI grant selections announced last year. The funding is provided through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) programme.
Last year, FRA selected 70 projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C., for CRISI programme funding, and those projects ranged from bridge, track, and grade crossing improvements to investments in restoring and expanding intercity passenger rail corridors. CRISI grants are also a major source of funding for rural communities and short line railways, many of which are small businesses whose operations bolster local economies and are crucial for supply chain fluidity. By funding projects such as trespass prevention efforts and the rehabilitation or procurement of zero- or low-emissions locomotives, among other initiatives, the CRISI programme directly benefits short line railways’ operations and local communities’ quality of life.
In addition, CRISI grants can support important workforce development and training programmes to retain current employees and attract new individuals to the rail industry. Taken together, these benefits lead to safer communities, cleaner transportation, faster and more reliable deliveries of goods, and more jobs and workforce development opportunities.
“Every year, FRA sees extraordinarily high demand for CRISI grant funds, which help railways, states, and local communities meet vital needs for safety and economic development and growth. In addition, by funding freight and passenger rail transport, CRISI-funded projects improve the fluidity of the national rail network and make it easier and safer for goods and people to move by rail across the country,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said.
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