The Federal Railroad Administration issued a notice of funding opportunity on August 30 regarding the availability of nearly $362 million via its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements or CRISI grant program.
[Above photo by the FRA]
The agency said its CRISI program funds projects that reduce congestion, improve short-line and regional railroad infrastructure, relocate rail lines, enhance multi-modal connections and facilitate service integration between rail and other facilities such as at 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 noted in a statement. “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.”
He said FRA would award CRISI grants to projects that “reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities” of fostering safety and equitable economic strength; improving core assets and ensuring racial equity and economic inclusion; addressing climate change and resilience; and modernizing our nation’s transportation infrastructure.
The FRA added that there are certain funding “set asides” within this round of CRISI grants:
- Rural set-aside: No less than $93.7 million or 25 percent for rural projects.
- Intercity passenger rail development: No less than $75 million for eligible projects supporting the development of new intercity passenger rail routes, including alignments for existing routes.
- Capital improvements for trespass prevention: No less than $25 million for capital projects and engineering solutions targeting rail trespassing.
FRA will hold a webinar about its fiscal year 2021 CRISI NOFO on September 21. More information about that webinar is available by clicking here.
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