PennDOT opens freight-rail grant application period

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).

In the last grant period, the department awarded $32 million for 27 freight-rail projects. The department manages RTAP, which is a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is underwritten through the Multimodal Fund created by Act 89, Pennsylvania's comprehensive transportation funding legislation.

Applications for funding are due Aug. 30. They are available on the bureau's website.

"Pennsylvania's vibrant rail freight network serves as an economic development catalyst, which translates into jobs and a healthy economy," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards in a press release. "Our grant programs reflect the commonwealth's commitment to preserve and improve the rail freight transportation network."

Pennsylvania ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, with 64, and ranks near the top in total track mileage, with more than 5,600 miles, according to PennDOT.