WASHINGTON — The application process has begun for more than $2.4 billion in funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant program, the Federal Railroad Administration has announced.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity issued today includes funding for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 and is available for projects to improve U.S. freight and passenger infrastructure. It follows the awarding of more than $1.4 billion in CRISI grants last year to 70 projects in 35 states and the District of Columbia [see “Federal Railroad Administration awards …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 25, 2023]. Those awards ranged from funds to improve the route for Amtrak’s Gulf Coast service to support for purchase of battery-electric locomotives to projects to decrease trespassing on railroad rights-of-way.
“Today we’re opening the biggest funding round in history for the program that modernizes freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release. “This funding will make it safer, more affordable, more sustainable, and more efficient for people and goods to move by rail across the country.”
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is published in today’s Federal Register. Applications are due 60 days from today.
“Every year, FRA sees extraordinarily high demand for CRISI grant funds, which help railroads, states, and local communities meet vital needs for safety and economic development and growth,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.
The FRA also provides applicants with web-based training and live technical assistance. More information on the CRISI program is available at this page on the FRA website.
