Biden administration announces $2.4 billion in new rail projects part of investing in America

More than $2.4 billion will be allocated for 122 rail improvement projects in 41 states and Washington, D.C.

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Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that more than $2.4 billion will be allocated for 122 rail improvement projects in 41 states and Washington, D.C. The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program “marks the most significant investment in American rail in more than 50 years,” according to a press release.

The first round of selections under the program will reflect rail safety and service improvements, including upgrading track, replacing or rehabilitating aging bridges, expanding rail connections at ports, and adding modern locomotives to fleets.

“Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network,” Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Secretary, said. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding rail infrastructure projects that create jobs and expand workforce development, reduce costs for consumers, and directly benefit communities across the country. Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient.”

The Sierra Club said that the investment in expanding and improving the country’s passenger and freight rail system will maximize health, environmental, and economic benefits throughout communities across the country. The CRISI Program is also “the only federal grant program prioritizing smaller, short line railroads vital to the American economy and regional supply chains,” according to a press release.

“The CRISI program will have benefits for generations to come as the rail sector has been neglected for far too long,” Yassi Kavezade, senior advisor to the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, said. “Noteworthy projects include the restoration of Amtrak to the Gulf Coast, several zero emission locomotive pilot projects in Arizona and California, and worker training investments for rail maintenance in Delaware, Montana, and Virginia, creating hundreds of jobs. 

The investments will also support the rail workforce by creating new apprenticeship programs, expanding training opportunities, and establishing partnerships with universities, and advance innovative research.

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration and through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FRA is investing more than ever in communities nationwide, reversing a half-century of federal underinvestment in America’s rail network and delivering the world-class rail our citizens deserve,” Amit Bose, FRA Administrator, said. “Today’s CRISI grants will enhance rail safety, better connect towns, cities, and ports, introduce more environmentally friendly locomotives, support the current rail workforce, and provide workforce development opportunities essential to the future of our industry and the national economy.”

Click here to see a full list of Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 CRISI project selections.

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