The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) recently awarded 11 projects in 10 counties more than $26.3 million in fiscal year 2026 Rail Freight Assistance Program grants.
The program provides funding for capital improvements that result in the continuation of economically viable rail freight services by making it more widely available for businesses throughout the state. The freight rail improvements support clean energy, congestion mitigation, and sustainable development goals.
The NJDOT Division of Local Aid – Modal Grants considers multiple factors including type of project, condition, efficient and responsive freight distribution, and highway congestion mitigation. Grants typically provide funding for up to 90 percent of a project’s eligible estimated cost. Project sponsors are required to continue freight service for at least 10 years after the project completes.
“These grants for critical rail freight infrastructure improvements are investments in our future to provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods in New Jersey, while reducing truck traffic on our highways,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said.
The 11 projects include rehabilitation and repair of several rail bridges, capacity expansion at port facilities, marine terminal rail improvements and installing rail, ties, and surface improvements on a rail line.
NJDOT said it has invested more than $139.3 million in New Jersey’s freight rail services over the last five years using TTF funds, leveraging an additional $17 million from railroad owners and operators, for a total of nearly $156.4 million in Rail Freight Assistance Program investment.