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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

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. 

    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: Tuesday, March 21, 2023