U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) officials said the agency has allocated more than $291 million in grants for 11 intercity passenger rail projects as a means of bolstering safety and reliability.
The funding allotment would aid nine states via the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership Program).
“This $291 million in federal grants will upgrade rail infrastructure and enhance railroad safety and reliability in communities across America,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The Partnership Program funds capital projects to repair, replace, or rehabilitate publicly owned or controlled railroad assets – bringing them into a state of good repair. Total funding amounts to $291,422,706, with $198 million made available from the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and $93,422,706 in remaining funds made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019.
“This Administration has invested billions in railroad infrastructure to ensure the safe movement of passengers and goods throughout our nation,” FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said. “These investments have proven vital during this challenging year and kept essential supplies moving throughout our nation, and these State of Good Repair grants will continue those improvements and enhance passenger rail service to ready the nation for the forthcoming recovery.”
The award evaluation and selection process considered several factors in project selection, including the project’s ability to improve service and safety and meet existing or anticipated demand.