The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will make available $5.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Program.
The program provides funding and technical assistance to entities implementing IRCs, an early step to delivering rail projects in local communities. IRCs are identical agreements two or more states pass into law to support and facilitate the development of multi-state and regional intercity passenger rail services.
The program will allow eligible applicants to improve, promote, and develop passenger rail services across and between states.
Grants can be used to fund the costs of administering IRCs; preparing applications for competitive federal grant programs; promoting intercity passenger rail operation; studying the impacts on freight rail operations and ridership; and operations coordination.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing billions to increase rail safety and expand passenger rail service across the country, and this program provides yet another opportunity to deliver the 21st-century rail network Americans need and deserve,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “The Interstate Rail Compacts Program will facilitate multi-state partnerships to bring world-class passenger rail to more communities while supporting the long-term growth of America’s rail network.”
The application deadline is July 10.