Biden Administration Announces $2.4B in Grants to Modernize Freight, Passenger Rail Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is making over $2.4 billion in grant money available for projects to modernize the nation's freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure. 

The money will come from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, which funds bridge, track, and grade crossing improvements, expanded passenger rail corridors, short line rail transportation in rural communities, rail industry workforce development, and zero or low emissions locomotives. 

The grant money announced on March 29 is part of the largest ever funding round for the program, building on the $1.4 billion in CRISI grants handed out in 2023. 

"This funding will make it safer, more affordable, more sustainable, and more efficient for people and goods to move by rail across the country." U.S. transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said. 

The FRA chose 70 projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. in 2023 to receive these grants, with the goal to provide fast, reliable freight deliveries, clean transportation, and more job opportunities.