FRA announces $25 million available for rail safety upgrades

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has begun accepting applications from local governments, states and railroads for $25 million in competitive grants to fund rail safety efforts, the agency announced today.

Applicants can request funds for safety improvements to railroad crossings, track, tunnels, bridges, yards and other infrastructure. The grants are available under the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funds the U.S. Department of Administration (USDOT).

"As the country's population increases, rail will play a larger role in transporting more people and more freight. To do that safely, we must invest in our rail infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a press release.

The FRA will accept applications until June 14. To qualify, projects must be focused on safety, such as the acquisition, improvement, or rehabilitation of intermodal facilities; improvements to track, bridges, and tunnels; upgrades to railroad crossings; and the separation of railroad crossings and roads, FRA officials said.

Additional details will be available tomorrow at www.grants.gov.