$320.6 million announced for rail infrastructure and safety improvements across the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected 50 projects in 29 states to receive competitive grant funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The projects selected include a wide variety of railroad investments that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and intercity passenger service.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, commented: “This $320.6 million federal investment will upgrade U.S. rail infrastructure and enhance rail safety in communities across America.”

Nine of the projects were selected to specifically address safety at highway-rail grade crossings, and deter illegal trespassing, which is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. Other projects expand, upgrade, or rehabilitate railroad track, switches, yard, and station facilities to increase performance and service delivery.
FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory, said: “We remain committed to helping address pressing transportation capital needs, particularly in rural areas. I am pleased that so many high-quality applications were submitted for worthwhile investments by the FRA.”

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act authorised the CRISI Program to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems. Rural projects, which have a minimum 25 per cent funding requirement under the CRISI Program, received over 60 per cent of the funds. Of the 50 projects that were awarded grants, 32 are located in Opportunity Zones, which were created to revitalise economically distressed communities using private investments. Since 2017, this Administration has awarded over $1.2 billion through the CRISI program to improve rail infrastructure.

A list of projects selected for FY 2020 CRISI funding can be viewed here.