Federal Railroad Administration announces $5.3B in rail grants

The Federal Railroad Administration has announced $5.3 billion in safety grants to support 41 projects across 23 states. The funding, authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to improve the national rail network by addressing dangerous grade crossings, repairing rail bridges, and upgrading stations.

Amtrak is a primary recipient of the funds, receiving $2.05 billion for 43 new passenger train sets and $140 million to repair 41 locomotives used on Midwest and Pacific routes. Other allocations include approximately $3.2 billion for highway-rail grade crossing improvements and station upgrades. Specific projects include up to $87 million for bridge and viaduct rehabilitation in Chicago and modernization efforts for the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.