Amtrak said it will begin accepting grant applications for projects along the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel alignment.
Part of the Community Investment Program (CIP), which is a key component of the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program, which will build a new rail alignment and modern tunnel to replace the existing 150-year-old B&P Tunnel. The grants are part of the $50 million phased investment that will coincide with the construction of the tunnel.
“Amtrak’s B&P tunnel is a critical component of our ongoing efforts to improve the state of good repair along the Northeast Corridor. As FRA Administrator, I look forward to working with Amtrak to make sure these dollars are spent efficiently and that the project is completed on time,” FRA Administrator David Fink said.
When the application period opens on March 23, qualified non-for-profit organizations or city/state government entities can apply for funding to support project within a quarter of a mile of the Tunnel Program alignment. The projects should qualify under one of six investment categories – community development, parks and recreation, open space, transportation, historic preservation, or workforce development.
“The Community Investment Program is part of Amtrak’s commitment to mitigating construction impacts in the community as we deliver this critical infrastructure investment. We’ve also installed sound barriers, implemented noise and vibration monitoring, and deployed our outreach team to identify and address any issues that may arise. We will work diligently to administer the Community Investment Program effectively and efficiently,” Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa said.
Interested groups and entities are encouraged to sign-up for B&P Tunnel Replacement Program emails for notification and like to the Notice of Funding Opportunity once it is published.