The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $46.3 million in grants last month to assist in the deployment of positive train control (PTC) systems.
The grants, which were awarded to 11 projects in 10 states, were provided by the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
Funding for CRISI was authorized under the Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Of the total provided to the program, $250 million was allotted for PTC system deployment.
The first round of funding was awarded in August. Twenty-eight projects in 15 states were awarded $203.7 million.
“These grants not only help railroads continue to make progress implementing positive train control, but they also show that we’re steadfast in our commitment to make investments in passenger rail and rural communities,” FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said.
Thirty-one percent of December’s grants benefit rural areas.
The largest grant award was up to $9.2 million to the Amtrak Southwest Chief on BNSF Railway. Funding will be used for PTC wayside technology on the approximately 179 miles between Dodge City, Kan., and Las Animas, Colo.
The deadline for implementing PTC was Monday.
If a railroad meets congressionally mandated criteria, it can qualify for an alternative schedule, with an implementation deadline of Dec. 31, 2020.