The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it would make more than $1.4 billion in funding available through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant program.
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the grants will advance projects that modernize America’s freight and passenger rail infrastructure while allowing people and goods to move more safely and efficiently. This year’s funding level more than triples funding for the CRISI program, which President Joe Biden’s administration noted is needed to meet the heavy demand for funding from states and localities. At least 25 percent of the total funds will go to projects in rural areas, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) said.
“Freight rail is a critical part of our supply chains, and when shipping costs come down, families pay less for goods,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “Today, because of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest round of funding ever to make both passenger and freight trains across America safer, faster, and more reliable.”
The FRA said the influx of grant opportunities will allow the agency to invest in a wider range of projects, including ones that mitigate passenger and freight rail congestion, enhance multi-modal connections and improve or establish new intercity passenger rail corridors. The agency said the grants will also be a major source of funding for short-line railroads, whose operations are crucial for supply chain fluidity.
“Projects funded by these CRISI grants will generate economic opportunities and improve the travel experience in communities across America, whether urban or rural, large or small,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s massive boost to the CRISI Program, the funding made available today will help launch our country’s new rail revolution and maintain our rail network’s unmatched standards for safety and efficiency.”