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5/6/2026
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is accepting applications for the fiscal-year 2027 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP). The department plans to award $3 million in IRAP grants in the fiscal year.
A competitive grant program, IRAP is designed to leverage public and private investments to support freight-rail access infrastructure projects across the state.
Eligible rail access projects include track and tie improvements, drainage work, grade crossing upgrades and other infrastructure work that directly supports freight-rail access. IRAP projects are evaluated according to consistency with program requirements and the level of public benefits, such as a reduction of truck traffic, rail system preservation, mobility, economic development, job creation or retention and safety.
MassDOT accepts applications year round, with quarterly review deadlines for FY27 grants set at June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31, 2026, and March 31, 2027. The department will reimburse up to 80% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant award of $700,000 per project.
“The grant awards leverage public funds to enhance the rail network and provide businesses with improved access to freight-rail infrastructure,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger in a press release.