The US Department of Transportation has made $2.4bn available to modernise America’s freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure, so people and goods can move with greater safety, efficiency and reliability.

The DoT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a notice of funding opportunity that makes available over $2.4bn in its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements (CRISI) programme.

“We’re opening the biggest funding round in history for the programme that modernises freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure,” said US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This funding will make it safer, more affordable, more sustainable and more efficient for people and goods to move by rail across the country.”

Last year, the FRA selected 70 projects in 35 states and Washington DC 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 railroads, 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 railroads’ 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 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 railroads, states and local communities meet vital needs for safety and economic development and growth,” said FRA administrator Amit Bose. “In addition, by funding freight and passenger rail transportation, 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.” 

In addition to investing historic levels of funding in infrastructure to make rail safer nationwide, the government has taken steps to improve rail safety, and the DoT continues to use its authority to ensure the safety of people who live near, work on or travel along America’s rail lines. Investments in infrastructure and the rail workforce through FRA’s railroad development programmes are a major part of this national effort to create a modern transportation network that will keep Americans safe and make the US competitive.

Applications for funding are due for the next two months. FRA will also support applicants with web-based training and live technical assistance. More information about the CRISI programme can be found on FRA’s web site at railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/competitive-discretionary-grant-programs/consolidated-rail-infrastructure-and-safety-2.