WASHINGTON — Applications are now being accepted for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant program, which will offer more than $1.4 billion for passenger and freight infrastructure projects — more than tripling the previous level of funding.
“Freight rail is a critical part of our supply chains, and when shipping costs come down, families pay less for goods,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release for the CRISI Notice of Funding Opportunity. “Today, because of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest-round of funding ever to make both passenger and freight trains across America safer, faster, and more reliable.”
The CRISI program also covers safety projects such as grade-crossing improvements and rail line relocations, as well as programs to develop and train a rail workforce, provide for corridor planning, and research and deploy safety technology. Newly included in the program are measures to prevent trespassing and upgrade or replace locomotives to reduce emissions.
The full Notice of Funding Opportunity has been published in the Federal Register. Applications are due Dec. 1. More information on the CRISI program is available here.
