DOT Digest: FRA Issues Final Rule for Rail Relocation and Improvement Grant Program
Friday, July 11, 2008 (Washington, D.C)
News Digest
FRA Issues Final Rule for Rail Relocation and Improvement Grant Program
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Final Rule detailing the eligibility requirements and selection criteria for capital grants under the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement program created in the SAFETEA-LU legislation. In order to be eligible for grant funding, a project must mitigate the adverse effects of rail traffic on safety, motor vehicle traffic flow, community quality of life or involve a lateral or vertical relocation of any portion of the rail line. Under the law, half of all grant funds are reserved for projects costing no more than $20 million each. A state or other eligible entity will be required to pay at least 10 percent of the shared costs of the project. Congress appropriated $20,040,200 for this program for FY2008 with $5,240,000 directed to nine (9) non-competitive projects. FRA intends to issue a Notice of Funding Availability later this year following which applications will be accepted for a competitive selection process for the remaining program funds. Click here for a copy of the Final Rule. Contact Steve Kulm: (202) 493-6024.
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