The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently opened the application period for grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
RTAP, also known as Capital Budget, is for applicants with a line item(s) in a Capital Budget Act. Maximum funding for a RTAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs. The program is funded with bonds.
RFAP provides financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure. Maximum funding for a RFAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs, not to exceed $700,000. The program is funded through the Multimodal Fund created by Act 89.
PennDOT manages two grant programs. The programs’ goal is to preserve essential rail freight service and stimulate economic growth through new or expanded rail freight service.
“Pennsylvania’s rail freight network keeps goods moving and supports the economy,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “These investments support the business community and keep rail lines safe.”
Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, the most of any state, and has more than 5,600 miles of rail lines.
The application deadline is Sept. 1. Program information can be found on the PennDOT website.
During the 2022 grant period, PennDOT awarded $26 million to 24 rail freight projects.