FRA Announces $2.4 Billion in New Rail Projects

FRA has announced more than $2.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for 122 rail improvement projects in 41 states and Washington, DC, administered through FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. These projects will make rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, resulting in lower shipping costs and less pollution.

Projects reflect the broad array of rail safety and service improvements eligible under the program, such as upgrading track, replacing or rehabilitating aging bridges, expanding rail connections at ports, adding modern locomotives to fleets, and more. The CRISI Program is also the only federal grant program prioritizing smaller, short-line railroads vital to the U.S. economy and regional supply chains.

“Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding rail infrastructure projects that create jobs and expand workforce development, reduce costs for consumers, and directly benefit communities across the country. Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient.”

While the majority of CRISI grants directly improve rail infrastructure, CRISI investments are also supporting the rail workforce. Federal funding will create new apprenticeship programs, expand training opportunities, establish partnerships with universities, and advance innovative research.

“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 and delivering the world-class rail our citizens deserve,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “Today’s CRISI grants will enhance rail safety; better connect towns, cities, and ports; introduce more environmentally friendly locomotives; support the current rail workforce; and provide workforce development opportunities essential to the future of our industry and the national economy.”

View the full list of FY23 and FY24 CRISI project selections here. Learn more about FRA’s CRISI Program here.