# US rail infrastructure modernization funding > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-rail-infrastructure-modernization-funding > Updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak have initiated large-scale funding programs to modernize United States rail infrastructure. Initial announcements detailed approximately $2 billion in grants for Amtrak to acquire up to 43 new trainsets to replace aging equipment on state-supported routes. Specific regional projects were highlighted, such as the Piedmont Corridor Safety Program in North Carolina, which received nearly $300 million for crossing closures, bridge construction, and track expansion. Subsequent updates expanded the scope of federal investment, with the FRA announcing $5.3 billion in safety grants across 23 states. This funding, authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, includes $2.05 billion for Amtrak’s new trainsets and an additional $140 million for locomotive repairs on Midwest and Pacific routes. The broader allocation includes $3.2 billion for station upgrades and highway-rail grade crossing improvements, featuring specific projects such as bridge rehabilitation in Chicago and terminal modernization in New Orleans. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Federal Railroad Administration announces $5.3B in rail grants The Federal Railroad Administration announced $5.3 billion in grants for 41 rail projects across 23 states, including $2.05 billion for new Amtrak passenger trains. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/federal-railroad-administration-announces-53b-in-rail-grants ### 2026-08-14: Amtrak and FRA announce major funding for U.S. rail modernization Amtrak and the FRA are investing billions into U.S. rail, including $2 billion for new trains and $300 million for safety and infrastructure improvements along North Carolina’s Piedmont Corridor. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amtrak-and-fra-announce-major-funding-for-us-rail-modernization --- Cite as: US rail infrastructure modernization funding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-rail-infrastructure-modernization-funding