The U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity announcing the availability of more than USD 1 billion in funding to modernise and expand intercity system through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail programme for projects not located on the Northeast Corridor (Fed- State National Programme). The applications must be submitted by December 16, 2024.
The funding “will help add new train routes and improve existing train lines across the country. This is another important step the Biden-Harris administration is taking to deliver world-class rail to Americans,” the U.S. Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
This new funding is provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which also made available USD 8.2 billion grants in December 2023 to expand intercity system through implementation of 10 rail projects across the country. These also include the first high-speed rail projects in the US.
In addition to supporting new high-speed rail service in California’s Central Valley and the Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas, Nevada, and southern California, FRA is funding upgrades to frequently traveled rail corridors in Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia, as well as upgrades and capacity expansions at Chicago Union Station in Illinois, one of the US busiest rail hubs. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic USD 66 billion specifically focused on rail projects, the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak.
Eligible projects under the Fed-State National Programme include projects that expand or establish new intercity passenger and high-speed rail service, improve the performance of existing service, as well as replace or rehabilitate rail infrastructure. Projects improving intercity passenger rail safety, reliability, performance, including any associated project planning elements, such as environmental review and final design, are all eligible for the new funding.
“This additional funding through Fed-State National will further expand intercity passenger and high-speed rail services across the Nation. This funding addresses infrastructure needs, reduces congestion, and expands access to reliable transport options for people living in underserved regions,” FRA Administrator, Amit Bose, said.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FRA announced more than USD 28 billion in grant awards to 170 rail projects in 2023. Including this latest funding, more than USD 6.4 billion is available for infrastructure projects supporting rail freight and passenger services.
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