FRA to fund rail safety research

The Federal Railroad Administration yesterday announced the availability of $5 million to fund a rail research and development center of excellence.

The center is designed as a three-year program. The $5 million, made available under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is annual grant funding for fiscal-years 2022 and 2023, FRA officials said in a press release.

Another $2.5 million will be made available in FY2024, subject to the availability of funds, for a total of $7.5 million.

Examples of eligible proposals include advances in research, evaluation, education, workforce development and training related to safety, project delivery, efficiency, reliability, resiliency and sustainability. Proposals can address advances in rolling stock, grade crossing safety, advanced positive train control, human factors, inspection and remote sensor technologies, rail systems maintenance and operational reliability, among others.

Eligible applicants include those with strong past performance related to rail research, education and workforce development activities.

The center will fund up to 50% of the cost of selected proposals. The notice of funding opportunity has been published in the Federal Register.