USDOT unveils application guidelines for high-speed stimulus dollars

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued guidelines for states and regions to apply for federal high-speed and intercity passenger rail funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The guidelines require "rigorous financial and environmental planning to make sure projects are worthy of investment and likely to be successful," according to a prepared statement. Proposals will be based on merit for their ability to make trips quicker and more convenient, reduce highway and airport congestion, and meet other environmental, energy and safety goals. The guidelines also call on the USDOT to actively promote standard specifications for rail cars and other equipment.

The guidance overview features four funding "tracks" to address various application goals, according to the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP). Track 1 is for the distribution of $8 billion in recovery act funds that will be allocated to ready-to-go intercity passenger-rail projects, including pre-construction work such as design, engineering, location surveying, mapping, environmental studies and right-of-way acquisition. Track 2 is for longer-term high-speed and intercity rail development, including upgrades to existing service. Track 3 will be used to develop a pipeline of future projects and Track 4 offers a simplified alternative for states willing to match federal funds by at least 50 percent.

The guidelines institute a July 10 pre-application deadline, which will enable the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide feedback on project applications, NARP said. Final applications for funding Tracks 1, 3 and 4 are due Aug. 24; applications for funding Track 2 are due by Oct. 2.

The FRA plans to award the first round of grants by mid-September.

To download a PDF of the guidelines, follow this link.