FRA announces funding opportunity for state-of-good-repair rail projects
The $396 million will go toward projects that repair, replace, or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets
The U.S. DOT's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) this week issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program, which includes $396 million available in grant funding.
The FY 2019 partnership program will fund projects that repair, replace, or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state-of-good-repair backlog and improve intercity passenger rail performance. Eligible applications will address projects that may include track, ballast, switches and interlockings, bridges, communication and signal systems, power systems, grade crossings, station buildings, support systems, signage, track and platform areas, passenger cars, locomotives, maintenance-of-way equipment, yards, terminal areas, and maintenance shops.
The partnership program grants are intended to benefit passenger rail infrastructure, equipment, and facilities in rural and urban American communities.
The FRA will consider how projects support key objectives, including enhancing economic vitality; leveraging federal funding; using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite project delivery; and holding grant recipients accountable for achieving specific, measurable outcomes.
"I strongly encourage all eligible parties to take full advantage of this opportunity," FRA Administrator Ronald Batory said in a statement. "These grants offer a win-win situation for the nation's rail network as well as communities around the country, both urban and rural, to improve safety."
Further information about the partnership program can be found on the FRA website.
SOURCE: Federal Railroad Administration