Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA

September 2023

FRA Announces First of its Kind FY 2022-2023 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Program Grant Award – September 29, 2023
FRA announced the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as the selected institution for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence (CoE) program. UIUC has been awarded up to $5,000,000 to establish the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), a pioneering initiative comprising a consortium of nine partner institutions. The NURail CoE will appropriate its resources towards research areas encompassing a wide range of critical topics, which may include the development of groundbreaking technologies to advance rolling stock, Positive Train Control systems, human factors, rail infrastructure enhancements, shared corridor solutions, grade crossing safety innovations, trespasser prevention strategies, inspection technology advancements, remote sensing applications, rail systems maintenance approaches, network resiliency solutions, operational reliability enhancements, energy efficiency measures, and other pioneering subjects aimed at promoting and improving rail transportation. The NURail CoE is set to operate for a three-year duration, allowing ample time for the pursuit of transformative rail solutions and innovations that will contribute to a safer and more modern rail network across the country.

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program Selections Announcement – September 25, 2023
FRA announced that it has awarded more than $1.4 billion in CRISI Program funding to 70 rail improvement projects in 35 states. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law quadrupled the amount of funding available under the CRISI Program for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. In particular, FY22 CRISI selections represent projects that support community safety through track improvements, bridge rehabilitations, fewer highway-rail grade crossings, upgrades on routes carrying hazardous materials, and more. Selected projects also improve connectivity, reduce shipping costs, increase resiliency to extreme weather, reduce emissions, and support workforce development.

FRA Answers to FAQs about Pre-Award Authority - September 22, 2023
FRA published a FAQs resource to assist project sponsors with obtaining pre-award authority for activities funded under FRA grants other than Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Northeast Corridor (NEC) grants. Pre-award authority under this policy allows certain projects to incur costs after selection but before the grant is obligated. For additional information, see 2CFR 200.458. 

August 2023

FY22 Corridor Identification and Development Grant Program Webinar – August 23, 2023
FRA provided an overview of post-selection next steps for the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Grant Program.

The Corridor ID Program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to guide the development of new and enhanced intercity passenger rail services that will help bolster economic growth throughout the United States. FRA originally published its Notice of Solicitation of Corridor Proposals and Funding for the Corridor Identification and Development Program on December 20, 2022. An amendment to this Notice extended the due date for applications to the Corridor ID Grant Program to March 27, 2023.

The webinar offered detail on FRA’s approach to the three corridor development steps outlined in the Notice of Solicitation and share guidance, helpful hints, and best practices for completing the Statement of Work required for selected corridor projects. The Corridor ID Program Service Development Plan Statement of Work Framework is now available on the Corridor ID Program webpage.

To view presentation materials from the August 23, 2023, and other webinars related to the Corridor ID Program, visit FRA's Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down. 

Special Transportation Circumstances Grant Program – August 18, 2023
FRA announced the availability of $139 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) Grant Program. This program provides directed grant funding under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, Railroad Crossing Elimination, Interstate Rail Compacts, and the Restoration and Enhancement grant programs to certain states that lack intercity passenger rail service or that are not connected to the national rail system. Current eligible recipients for the STC program are Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

June 2023

Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program Selections Announcement – June 5, 2023
FRA announced that it has awarded more than $570 million in Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program funding to projects in 32 states. This inaugural round of funding will address more than 400 at-grade crossings nationwide, improve safety, and make it easier to get around railroad tracks by adding grade separations, closing at-grade crossings, and improving existing at-grade crossings where train tracks and roads intersect.

May 2023

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.

March 2023

Advancing High-Speed Rail Projects Through Domestic Sourcing Plans and Buy America Compliance Notice – March 21, 2023
FRA issued a notice  to encourage the development of high-speed rail (HSR) system projects (with operations over 160 miles per hour) by establishing a streamlined process for reviewing domestic sourcing and workforce plans. The notice invites HSR project sponsors to voluntarily submit for review, in advance of receipt of DOT funding, their domestic sourcing and workforce plans. The notice further clarifies the December 7, 2022, Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National) Notice of Funding Opportunity.
 

Advance and Pre-Award Costs for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program: Northeast Corridor Grants – March 2023
FRA published a notice and FAQs regarding advance and pre-award costs for Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Northeast Corridor (NEC) (FSP-NEC) projects.  This policy allows certain projects to incur costs prior to selection for and obligation of a grant award. 

February 2023

Corridor Identification and Development Program Deadline Extension
The Corridor ID Program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to guide the development of new and enhanced intercity passenger rail services that will help bolster economic growth throughout the United States. FRA originally published its Notice of Solicitation of Corridor Proposals and Funding for the Corridor Identification and Development Program on December 20, 2022, but recently released an amendment to this notice in the Federal Register. 

To view presentation materials from other webinars related to the Corridor Identification and Development Program, visit FRA's Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down. 

Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-National) Additional Funding and Deadline Extension
FRA has been authorized to include an additional $2.2 billion in FY 2022-2023 funding to the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program. Over $4.5 billion in funding is now available for capital projects not located on the Northeast Corridor (FSP-National) that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service. See the FY 2022-2023 FSP-National Notice of Funding Opportunity amendment for more information.

To view presentation materials from both Federal-State Partnership Program NOFO webinars and subsequent Information Sessions, visit FRA's Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down.

January 2023

Guidance on Development and Implementation of Railroad Capital Projects – January 12, 2023
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides unprecedented Federal funding for rail improvement projects in America. To effectively manage this investment, FRA has published the final Guidance on Development and Implementation of Railroad Capital Projects to establish clear practices and set expectations for the development and implementation of railroad capital projects that may be funded, in whole or in part, by FRA. 

On June 28, 2022, FRA published a Notice of Proposed Guidance in the Federal Register to seek public comment on its proposed approaches. Public input shaped the final guidance, which will assist project sponsors in the development of effective and complete capital projects and enhance management of project schedules and budgets.

FRA also hosted a July 13, 2022, webinar in conjunction with the release of the Notice of Proposed Guidance. To view webinar presentation materials, visit FRA's Webinars webpage. 

Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail-Northeast Corridor Grant Program (FSP-NEC) Webinar – January 12, 2023
FRA hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail  (FSP-Northeast Corridor [NEC]) FY 2022–2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and the application, submission, and review and evaluation process. 

The FSP-NEC NOFO announces the availability of nearly $9 billion in FY 2022 and FY 2023 Federal-State Partnership Program funds for capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, and/or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service for projects located on the Northeast Corridor. 

To view presentation materials from both Federal-State Partnership Program NOFO webinars and subsequent Information Sessions, visit FRA's Webinars webpage, Grants & Loans drop-down.

December 2022

Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-National) Webinar – December 15, 2022
FRA will provide an overview of the FY22 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-National) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and the application, submission, and review and evaluation process.
 
Expanded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Federal-State Partnership Program funds capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service. The FY22 Federal-State Partnership Program (FSP-National) provides funding for projects located outside the Northeast Corridor.

To view presentation materials from the December 15, 2022, FY22 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-National) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Webinar, visit FRA's Webinars webpage.

November 2022

Northeast Corridor Project Inventory – November 15, 2022
FRA issued a list of priority projects in the Northeast Corridor (NEC), a railroad line that spans from Boston to Washington, D.C. This list, the NEC Project Inventory, establishes a systematic approach for improving the commuter and intercity passenger rail backbone of the region’s rail network. The Inventory creates a project pipeline to assist Amtrak, States, and the public with long-term planning that will improve service. It will guide up to $24 billion in funding that FRA is investing in NEC intercity passenger rail service through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (Partnership Program).  

The NEC is critical to the American economy. It is America’s busiest intercity passenger rail corridor, serving 800,000 passengers daily pre-pandemic and spanning an area that accounts for 20% of the national GDP. This initial NEC Project Inventory includes a total of 68 projects divided into 15 Major Backlog Projects and 53 Capital Renewal, Stations, and Improvement Projects. These projects reverse a decades-long underinvestment in the country’s infrastructure by proposing replacement and rehabilitation of vital rail assets in addition to major rail station upgrades and expansions. FRA will publish subsequent versions of the NEC Project Inventory at least once every two years.

September 2022

Corridor Identification and Development Program Information Session – September 27, 2022
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also authorizes the new Corridor Identification and Development Program, which creates a framework to facilitate the development of new, enhanced, and restored intercity passenger rail corridors throughout the country. 

FRA will hold an informational session to provide additional information about the development of the Corridor Identification and Development Program. FRA encourages eligible entities to attend and learn more about the Corridor Identification and Development Program as FRA works towards the formal solicitation of proposals for the program. Additionally, eligible entities are encouraged to submit expressions of interest in the program consistent with the directions within the Establishment of the Corridor Identification and Development Program notice in the Federal Register.

To view webinar presentation materials, visit FRA's Webinars webpage. 

Interstate Rail Compact Grant Program Listening Session – September 8, 2022
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new Interstate Rail Compact (IRC) Grant Program allows FRA to provide financial assistance to new and existing interstate rail compacts, which are established in law by member States passing identical or near-identical legislation, to develop and advance intercity passenger rail service.  The Interstate Rail Compact 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. 

In support of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, to be published later this year, FRA published a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register and held a listening session on September 8, 2022, to gather input from stakeholders on the implementation of the IRC Grant Program.  Stakeholders may submit comments to the Request for Information to the Federal Register until 5 p.m. ET, September 19, 2022.

Visit FRA's Webinars webpage (under Grants & Loans) to see training and guidance materials related to the IRC Grant Program:

• IRC RFI Listening Session – September 8, 2022  
• Interstate Rail Compact Grant Program Webinar - June 16, 2022

July 2022

Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program Webinar – July 14, 2022
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will provide an overview of the new Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and its FY 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The purpose of the RCE Grant Program is to provide funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. The RCE Program will benefit infrastructure throughout the country, including in tribal and rural communities, and in U.S. territories and possessions. 

To view webinar presentation materials, visit FRA's Webinars webpage. 

Long Distance Amtrak Study: Request for Proposals – July 1, 2022
Section 22214 of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (under delegation from the Secretary) to conduct an Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study to evaluate the restoration of daily intercity rail passenger service along 1) any Amtrak long-distance routes that have been discontinued, and 2) any Amtrak long-distance routes that occur on a non-daily basis. It also notes that FRA may evaluate potential new Amtrak long-distance routes, including those that were in service as of April 1971 but not continued by Amtrak. 

To support FRA in the development of the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study, FRA is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) for contracting support to provide project management support, transportation planning analyses, consultation strategies, stakeholder outreach opportunities, and other technical services. The RFP was released on July 1st, 2022 under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract, and provided to contractors under OASIS Pool 1, Engineering Services (NAICS Code: 541330). The RFP for the task order under OASIS is only available through GSA OASIS Pool 1 in accordance with GSA solicitation instructions for OASIS. Questions from contractors on the RFP are due to FRA by 12:00 noon EST on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022. Contractor proposals to the RFP are due to FRA by 1:00pm EST on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022.

June 2022

Railroad Capital Project Guidance – June 28, 2022
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides unprecedented Federal funding for rail improvement projects in America. To effectively manage this investment, FRA will establish clear practices and procedures for the development and implementation of railroad capital projects through the issuance of agency guidance. 

FRA has published a Notice of Proposed Guidance in the Federal Register and is seeking comments on its proposed approaches. FRA intends for final guidance to assist project sponsors in the development of effective and complete capital projects and enhance management of project schedules and budgets.

To read the Notice of Proposed Guidance for Railroad Capital Projects and provide written comments for consideration, visit the Federal Register page. 

To view webinar presentation materials, visit FRA's Webinars webpage. 

Notice of Approach on the Northeast Corridor Project Inventory – June 24, 2022
In addition to providing $24 billion in Advance Appropriations for projects along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law amends and expands project eligibility for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Program. With this expansion, USDOT is required to create and publish an inventory of projects along the NEC that will be funded by the $24 billion investment.

FRA has published a Notice of Approach in the Federal Register and is seeking comments on its interpretation and planned implementation of the FSP Program for projects along the NEC. Input gathered from the Public Notice will help inform the development of the NEC Project Inventory and FSP Program administration, as it relates to projects along the NEC. 

To read the Notice of Approach on the Northeast Corridor Project Inventory and provide written comments for consideration, visit the Federal Register page. 

Interstate Rail Compact Grant Program Webinar – June 16, 2022
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new Interstate Rail Compact Grant Program will provide funding to entities implementing an interstate rail compact for the administrative costs of the compact and for conducting railroad systems planning, promoting intercity passenger rail operations, and preparing grant applications. Pursuant to Section 410 of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1977 (49 U.S.C. 24101), an interstate rail compact consists of state partners who come together to promote, coordinate, and support regional improvements to passenger rail service.

To view the webinar recording and presentation materials, visit FRA's Webinars webpage. 

May 2022

Corridor Identification and Development Program Framework – May 2022
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also authorizes new programs including the Corridor Identification and Development Program, which creates a framework to facilitate the development of new, enhanced, and restored intercity passenger rail corridors throughout the country. 

FRA recently published the Establishment of the Corridor Identification and Development Program and FRA encourages eligible entities to submit expressions of interest in the Corridor ID Program consistent with the directions within the establishment document. In addition FRA plans to publish a notice soliciting proposals by eligible entities to participate in the Corridor ID Program in the last quarter of 2022. 

April 2022

Calendar of Upcoming FRA Publications – April 2022
Stakeholders can now view a calendar of upcoming FRA publications through the end of 2022. This calendar will increase transparency into FRA’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation process and help stakeholders prepare applications in response to upcoming Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). All NOFOs will be published in the Federal Register as well as on FRA’s Competitive Discretionary Grants page once the application process opens. Information about other stakeholder engagement opportunities listed on the calendar will also be posted on this Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page as they become available.

Railroad Crossing Elimination Listening Session – April 2022
The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program is a new program authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund highway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. FRA recently held listening sessions to gather input from stakeholders on the implementation of the program. 

• Railroad Crossing Elimination Listening Session Presentation (April 2022)

February 2022

Corridor Identification and Development Program – February 2022
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also authorizes new programs including the Corridor Identification and Development Program, which creates a framework to facilitate the development of new, enhanced, and restored intercity passenger rail corridors throughout the country. 

FRA recently published a Request for Information in the Federal Register and held listening sessions to gather input from stakeholders on the implementation of the Corridor ID Program. Written comments were requested by March 9, 2022.

• Corridor Identification and Development Program Listening Session Presentation (February 2022)

Calendar of Upcoming FRA Publications CY2023-CY2024

FRA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Table

IIJA Amendments to Subtitle V of Title 49 U.S.C. with FRA redline

• This document shows FRA’s review of Subtitle V (Rail Programs) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Updated: January 2022

Fact Sheets:

• Tools/Resources for FRA Discretionary Grant Applicants
• Amtrak Annual Grants
• Amtrak Supplemental Authorizations Grants
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Safety Fact Sheet
• Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Grant Program
• Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Workforce Development Fact Sheet
• Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program
• Interstate Rail Compacts Grants Fact Sheet
• Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program
• Restoration and Enhancements Grant Program

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Stakeholder Presentations:

• Interstate Rail Compact Program Request for Information Listening Session (September 8, 2022)
• Railroad Crossing Elimination Listening Session Presentation (April 2022)
• Railroad Crossing Elimination and Grade Crossing Safety Improvements (March 16,2022)
• White House Guidebook for States, Local Governments, Tribal Nations & Territories Webinar 5: Rail Presentation (February 28, 2022)
• Corridor Identification and Development Program Listening Session Presentation (February 2022)
• State and Local Elected Officials Listening Session (December 3, 2021)

General Resources:

• FRA’s Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs
• How to Apply for FRA Grant Programs
• FRA Training and Technical Assistance 
• FRA Regional Rail Planning
• Frequently Asked Questions about Rail Improvement Grant Conditions under 49 U.S.C. § 22905(c)(1)

White House Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook
  • The guidebook is a one-stop-shop to help state, local, Tribal and territorial governments unlock the benefits from the historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure and contains the most comprehensive information to date on the more than 375 programs included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• Build.gov “Building a Better America”
• Fact Sheet
• Climate Fact Sheet
• Labor Fact Sheet
• Communities of Color Fact Sheet
• Supply Chain Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information

• DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
• DOT Secretary Statement on Passage
• DOT Fact Sheet on American Mobility
• Federal Highway Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information 
• Federal Transit Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information