Amtrak, along with its partner organizations, announced Thursday they had received more than $2.1 billion to improve and expand Amtrak routes across the country.
While many grants will go directly to Amtrak, many others will support existing and potential partners, the railroad company said. Amtrak will receive $108.5 million for station and service upgrades. Another $2 billion will go to the company’s partners in North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maine for infrastructure upgrades on Amtrak and host railroads. Another $34.5 million will go to 39 states and localities for the planning and development of nearly 70 new and improved intercity passenger rail corridors.
“Amtrak ridership is soaring, and we’re advancing plans to further enhance and expand our services across the United States with our various partners, thanks to these grants,” Stephen Gardner, Amtrak CEO said. “We’re eager to bring the benefit of Amtrak’s network and experience to support states and local communities as they work to bring intercity passenger rail to new communities across America.”
Grants are funded through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, as well as the Corridor Identification and Development Program. Grants included: two grants totaling up to $93.6 million for the Chicago Union Station (CUS) Projects and $14.9 million of the Malta, Montana Corridor Operational Enhancement Project. Additionally, 69 projects received up to $500,000 each for comprehensive intercity corridor identification, planning and development projects.
“Today’s investments in passenger rail nationwide, made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are another step forward as we expand and modernize our country’s rail network, providing more Americans the world-class passenger rail they need and deserve,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “Nationwide projects receiving federal support through FRA’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, will result in faster trips, more reliability, and expanded service across the country.”