Amtrak has submitted applications for nearly USD 7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernise critical infrastructure, improve stations and expand its service.
“In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding. Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical rail infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said.
The requested funding would provide the resources necessary to begin construction on several major backlog projects. Amtrak and its partners have been working to advance these projects through the design and engineering phases to prepare for the start of major construction.
The applications were submitted through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-NEC programme).
Among the Northeast Corridor projects the submitted application includes the B&P tunnel replacement (with works launched in March) with the new Frederick Douglass tunnel, the East River tunnel rehabilitation (with RFQ issued in April), Connecticut River Bridge replacement project, Connecticut River Bridge replacement on the Springfield Line, the replacement of the bridges over the Bush River, Gunpowder River and Pelham Bay, the infrastructure renewal and speed improvement programme on the connection between Washington, DC and New Jersey, the Baltimore Penn Station and multiple Phase II Gateway programme projects.
In addition to the NEC grant applications submitted in conjunction with various partners, Amtrak also applied for several grants to improve long distance and state supported routes and provided letters of support for 23 Northeast Corridor projects submitted by others.
In December 2022, Amtrak received from the Department of Transportation a USD 4.3 billion funding to modernise its inter-city passenger rail system covering station modernisation and upgrade projects to meet ADA standards facilitating access for passengers with disabilities and rolling stock upgrade.
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