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5/9/2023
The Federal Railroad Administration yesterday announced the availability of $5.8 million in funding for states to advance the development of intercity passenger-rail service.
The grants will be issued through the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Program, which was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The program will provide federal funding and technical assistance to entities implementing IRCs, which are a vital early step to delivering rail projects in local communities, FRA officials said in a press release.
IRCs are identical agreements passed into law by two or more states that support and facilitate development of multi-state and regional intercity passenger rail services. Funding from the program will provide eligible entities the opportunity to improve, promote, and develop passenger-rail service across and between their states, according to the FRA.
"The Interstate Rail Compacts Program will facilitate multistate partnerships to bring world-class passenger rail to more communities while supporting the long-term growth of America’s rail network," said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.
Grants awarded will be eligible to fund the costs of administering IRCs; systems planning, including studying the impacts on freight-rail operations and ridership; promotion of intercity passenger-rail operations; preparation of applications for competitive federal grant programs; and operations coordination.
Grant applications are due July 10. The FRA's notice of funding opportunity contains additional information and can be read here.