What program is providing the funding for these rail projects?

The funding is provided through the CRISI Grant Program.

How many states will benefit from the FRA's rail project funding?

Rail projects in 45 states and Washington, D.C. will benefit from the funding.

What types of improvements will the funding support?

The funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects to enhance freight and passenger rail services.

What is the primary goal of the rail projects funded by the FRA?

The primary goal is to improve freight and passenger rail service across the nation.

FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide

The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Alex Roman・Executive Editor

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October 28, 2026

FRA Invests $2.3B in Rail Projects Nationwide — The Federal Railroad Administration's $2.3 billion investment through the CRISI Grant Program will support freight and passenger rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and service enhancements across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Credit:
METRO

2 min to read

The FRA has announced $2.3 billion in funding for rail projects across the United States.
The funding is part of the CRISI Grant Program, aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure and safety.
Projects will benefit freight and passenger rail services in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

*Summarized by AI

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is investing $2.3 billion in freight and passenger rail projects across 45 states and the District of Columbia through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program.

The funding will support projects designed to improve rail safety, modernize infrastructure, strengthen freight connections, and enhance passenger rail operations.

“From improving shortline infrastructure and port connections so critical products can get where they need to go faster to enhancing fencing along trespassing hotspots, this package will tangibly improve lives for millions of Americans,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

Supporting Rail Infrastructure and Safety

The CRISI Grant Program provides federal funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail transportation.

The program supports regional railroad infrastructure improvements, safety initiatives, and upgrades intended to improve rail network performance.

In April, the FRA announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the program, outlining priorities that include reducing congestion, increasing passenger rail ridership, improving regional rail infrastructure, and developing safety programs to prevent trespassing, injuries, and fatalities.

The program's funding criteria also emphasize workforce development, job quality, and economic development.

Investments in Local Rail Networks

Among the funded projects is a $5 million grant to the New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation to improve rail infrastructure in New Hampshire and Maine.

The grant will support repairs in Strafford and Carroll counties in New Hampshire and York County, Maine, including replacing railroad ties, switches, culverts, and track infrastructure at two at-grade crossings.

The project also includes replacing structural timber and decking on the Milton Three Ponds Bridge. The funding builds on a $4.5 million CRISI grant awarded to the railroad in 2020.

“The CRISI grant we’re celebrating today will have a big impact on both the New Hampshire and Maine economies by ensuring New England manufacturers will continue to have access to reliable and affordable shipping options that only shortline railroads can provide,” said FRA Administrator David Fink.