Action
Summary
Pursuant to the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1996, (Public Law 104-50 (November 15, 1995)), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has $1 million in next generation high speed rail funds available for grants to eligible participants for high speed rail corridor planning assistance, including preliminary engineering and operational analysis, and other planning activities. This notice sets forth the criteria by which FRA will make its selection of grant recipients. The FRA strongly supports the advancement of high-speed rail in congested corridors where it can be an important component of a balanced transportation system. Further, FRA believes the development or continuation of high- speed rail in specific corridors should be undertaken as a partnership of states, localities, and the private sector, with support from the Federal government. Pursuant to the Swift Rail Development Act of 1994, (Public Law 103-440 ( November 2, 1994)), the Secretary may provide financial assistance to a public agency or group of public agencies for corridor planning for up to 50 percent of the publicly financed costs associated with eligible activities. Not less than 20 percent of the publicly financed costs associated with eligible activities shall come from State and local sources, which State and local sources may not include funds from any Federal programs.