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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA

On November 15, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—a generational investment in America’s intermodal transportation system of which freight and intercity passenger rail are an integral part and an engine of our economy. The investments will:

  • Help make our nation’s rail network safer, more reliable, resilient, sustainable, and equitable. 
  • Improve the lives of Americans, create good paying jobs, and lay the foundation for America to compete in the 21st Century.  

What Does This Mean for FRA? 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58), also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law”, will provide unprecedented Federal funding for rail improvement projects in America. Over the next five years, that means greatly expanding existing Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) programs and creating new programs to enhance our nation’s rail network. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $102 billion in total rail funding, including $66 billion from advanced appropriations, and $36 billion in authorized funding.

BIL funding infographic

Recent Milestones

Interstate Rail Compacts Grant Program Webinar – May 24, 2023
FRA will provide an overview of the FY22-23 Interstate Rail Compacts Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the application, submission, and review and evaluation process.

On May 9, FRA announced the availability of $5,815,800 in funding to provide financial assistance to new and existing interstate rail compacts. Rail compacts are established in law by member States passing identical or near-identical legislation, to develop and advance intercity passenger rail service. The grant program can fund the technical and administrative functions of interstate rail compacts in addition to supporting coordination and promotion activities for rail services within a region.

To view training and guidance materials related to the Interstate Rail Compacts Grant Program, visit FRA’s Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down. 

Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Notice of Funding Opportunity – May 1, 2023
FRA recently announced the availability of $5,000,000 in funding to advance research and development efforts that seek to improve the safety, performance, and sustainability of freight, intercity passenger, and commuter rail. Eligible applicants include those with strong past performance related to rail research, education, and workforce development activities such as research that includes climate and clean energy priorities, workforce development goals, Minority Serving Institution (MSl)/Historically Black College and University (HBCU) participation, a commitment to underrepresented/underserved communities and economic equity, and the involvement of public- and private-sector passenger and freight railroads.

To view presentation materials from the May 31, 2023, Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence NOFO Webinar, visit FRA's Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down.

    Funding Opportunities

    FRA expects to begin announcing the availability of funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant programs over the coming months. FRA encourages you to periodically check the FRA website for updates and information on how to apply for such grant funding. Grant funding will be made available through Notices of Funding Opportunity, which will be posted in the Federal Register. General information about FRA’s grant programs is also available under the Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs section of FRA’s website. If you would like to be added to FRA’s mailing list to learn about future NOFOs and webinars, please subscribe and select “Program Delivery” announcements.

    Learn More

    To learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and rail, watch the video from FRA Administrator Amit Bose and view the links for additional information about FRA’s programs.

    Last updated: Wednesday, May 31, 2023