FRA solicits grant applications for state-of-good-repair funds

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) yesterday issued a notice of funding opportunity for $396 million in grant funding under the State of Good Repair program.

The fiscal-year 2019 program will fund projects that repair, replace or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state-of-good-repair backlog and improve
intercity passenger-rail performance, FRA officials said in a press release.

Projects that may be eligible include those related to track, ballast, switches and interlockings, bridges, communication and signal systems, power systems, grade crossings, station buildings, support systems, signage, track and platform areas,
passenger cars, locomotives, maintenance-of-way equipment, yards, terminal areas, and maintenance shops.

The grants are intended to benefit publicly or Amtrak-owned or controlled passenger-rail infrastructure, equipment and facilities.

FRA officials will consider how projects support key objectives, including enhancing economic vitality; leveraging federal funding using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite project delivery; and holding grant recipients accountable for achieving specific, measurable outcomes.

The federal government's share of a project's total cost must not exceed 80 percent, although preference will be given to projects that call for a federal share of 50 percent or less.

"These grants offer a win-win situation for the nation's rail network, as well as communities around the country, both urban and rural, to improve safety," said FRA Administrator Ronald Batory.