The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced it has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcing the availability of $139 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) grant program.

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the program will provide federal funding for projects to upgrade and safeguard rail infrastructure in Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. 

More About the STC Program

The STC program provides grant funding to states that lack intercity passenger rail service or are not connected to the national rail system and includes projects such as upgrading avalanche safety systems, supporting lumber transport, and installing culverts.

Funding for STC projects is set aside from appropriations for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), Restoration and Enhancement (R&E), Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE), and Interstate Rail Compact (IRC) programs.

The investments in communities will play a role in increasing safety while strengthening the supply chain by moving goods faster and at a lower cost.

“With this program, the DOT is continuing its commitment to supporting infrastructure investments in rural communities,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “This funding will create jobs, grow local economies, and increase rail safety and efficiency in states where geography and other circumstances create unique needs.”

Applications to the program are due to FRA no later than September 29, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.