WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $1.5 billion in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, funding available for rail and other transportation-related infrastructure projects.
The grant availability, detailed in a Notice of Funding Opportunity announced Friday, represents an increase of approximately $500 million over funds available in 2021. Last year, the money funded 90 projects in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam; rail projects receiving grants included funding for improvements on the route of the Southwest Chief; line relocation work in Springfield, Ill.; and a Norfolk Southern bridge project in Ohio, among others.
It is the first discretionary program to accept applications under the terms of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed earlier this year.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at this page on the U.S. DOT website. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 14.
Beware of the strings attached to these grants and other infrastructure bills recently passed. Less so on the railroads, more so on the highways.