Webinar to address Positive Train Control grants

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The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will be hosting a webinar June 4 for organizations seeking positive train control (PTC) system deployment funding.

The FRA began accepting grant applications on May 18. A $250 million Notice of Funding Opportunity was provided by the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program and was authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. It is funded by the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

“Safety is our top priority, and in light of PTC’s upcoming deadline, FRA has for the first time asked associations to hold webinars for their members,” Ronald L. Batory, FRA administrator, said. “We are continuing an aggressive outreach strategy and remain steadfast in seeking to help railroads implement PTC in a timely manner. Our goal is to help eligible applicants optimize their applications in competing for the available grant funding.”

Eligible applicants include Amtrak, Class II and Class III railroads, intercity rail passenger operators, public agencies or publicly chartered authorities established by one or more states, state political subdivisions, states or group of states.

Eligible projects include testing and training for the implementation of PTC systems, equipment installation, PTC components, software, back office systems, and wayside, communications and onboard hardware equipment.

The deadline for applications is July 2.