WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has announced it will make available almost $362 million for rail projects through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant program.
The funding is for projects that reduce congestion, improve shortline and regional rail infrastructure, relocate rail lines or improve multi-modal coordination at locations such as ports or intermodal facilities.
“CRISI is an opportunity to invest in safety and economic progress across the rail networks that support and connect America,” FRA Deputy Administrator Amit Bose said in a press release. “As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, these projects will create jobs and improve communities. We expect applicants to address necessity, accountability, racial equity, and climate change.”
Of the funds available, at least $93.7 million, or 25%, is for rural projects; at least $75 million is for projects to develop new intercity passenger service, and at least $25 million is for projects to address rail trespassing.
The FRA will hold a webinar about the CRISI funding on Sept. 21; information is available at this page of the FRA website. The official Notice of Funding Opportunity will be published in the Federal Register on Aug. 31; a pre-publication version is available here.
