USDOT Announces Over $2.4 Billion for Rail Improvements Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced more than $2.4 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 122 rail improvement projects across 41 states and Washington, D.C. These initiatives aim to enhance rail safety, reliability, and resilience, facilitating quicker movement of goods and people while reducing shipping costs and pollution.

Administered through the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the funding supports a diverse range of projects, including track upgrades, bridge rehabilitation, and the addition of modern locomotives. This investment particularly benefits rural communities and small, short-line railroads critical to regional economies.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network.” He emphasized that the funding would create jobs, reduce costs for consumers, and enhance community benefits.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, CRISI grants will support the rail workforce through new apprenticeship programs and training opportunities. For instance, a grant to the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen aims to enhance safety through improved detection technology.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose noted, “Under the Biden-Harris Administration and through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FRA is investing more than ever in communities nationwide, reversing a half-century of federal underinvestment in America’s rail network.”

Selected projects include significant investments in Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Michigan, each targeting specific improvements to enhance rail capacity, safety, and efficiency. This marks a historic investment in American rail infrastructure, the largest in over 50 years, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the nation's transportation systems.