Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) officials said the agency has earmarked nearly $362 million to aid railroad improvements via its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program.
“CRISI is an opportunity to invest in safety and economic progress across the rail networks that support and connect America,” FRA Deputy Administrator Amit Bose said. “As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, these projects will create jobs and improve communities. We expect applicants to address necessity, accountability, racial equity, and climate change.”
Officials indicated the grant funds would focus on projects seeking to reduce congestion, improve short-line and regional railroad infrastructure, relocate rail lines, bolster multi-modal connections and facilitate service integration between rail and other modes such as at ports or intermodal facilities.
Per the FRA, not less than $93.7 million of the allocated grant funds would be made available for rural projects; not less than $75 million of the allocation would be made available for eligible projects supporting development of new intercity passenger rail service routes; and not less than $25 million would be made available for capital projects and engineering solutions targeting rail trespassing.
The FRA maintains rail serves as a low-emissions option for transporting people and goods — noting that these projects possess potential to improve or expand transportation options, decrease community safety risks and establish a more diverse rail industry.