The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of over $1.4 billion in rail (CRISI) Grants. As a result of this funding, America’s freight and passenger rail networks will be improved, supply chains will be strengthened, and the groundwork for future growth will be laid.
Overview
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcing the availability of over $1.4 billion in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant funding. The CRISI Program, administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), advances projects that modernize America’s freight and passenger rail infrastructure, allowing people and goods to move more safely and efficiently and helping make goods more affordable for American families. The program is a much-needed step to meet the heavy demand for rail funding from States and local communities, allocating at least 25% of total funds for projects in rural areas.
Higher funding levels enabled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will also accelerate progress in building up infrastructure resilience and strengthening the supply chain, making transporting goods less expensive. The influx of new grant opportunities will allow FRA to invest in a wide range of projects that will mitigate passenger and freight rail congestion; enhance multimodal connections, and improve and establish new intercity passenger rail corridors. Furthermore, CRISI grants are a major source of funding for short-line railroads, whose operations bolster local economies and are crucial for supply chain fluidity.
In addition to projects that improve and expand freight and passenger rail infrastructure, CRISI grants will focus on safety projects such as grade crossing enhancements and rail line relocations and improvements as well as other priorities, including workforce development and training, regional rail and corridor planning, environmental analyses, and research and deployment of railroad safety technology.
More information about the CRISI Program can be found here.
