Biden Administration Announces Over $368M in Grants to Improve Rail Infrastructure

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced over $368 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program funds to 46 projects in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

The investments will play a role in modernizing rail infrastructure and strengthening supply chains, helping to reduce congestion and get people and goods where they need to go.

"Americans deserve a world-class rail system that allows people and goods to get where they need to go more quickly and affordably, while reducing traffic and pollution on our roads," said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation secretary. "We're proud to award these grants to improve passenger rail for riders and strengthen the freight rail that makes our supply chains and our economy work." 

The selected projects announced will increase supply chain resilience and fluidity, support short line railroads, invest in new technology and safety advancements, and benefit rail industry workforce development and training activities. 

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has increasing funding for the rail infrastructure program to $1 billion a year for the next five years.

“This round of CRISI grants – one of the largest ever – is a major step forward for the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to revitalize and rebuild the country’s infrastructure,” said Amit Bose, FRA administrator. “These awards will allow FRA to support rail projects that lay the groundwork for future economic growth.” 

A minimum of 25% of this funding must be awarded to rural projects, and this announcement includes nearly double the required investment in rural communities. In addition, $87.6 million is for projects that support the development of new intercity passenger rail service, and $25.7 million is for capital projects or engineering solutions targeting trespassing, exceeding the required statutory minimums.