Restoration and Enhancement
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
This program provides operating assistance grants for initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. This may include establishing a new service, restoring previously operated service, or enhancements to current service, such as: additional frequencies, service extensions and offering new on-board services.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Interstate Organization
- For-Profit Organization
- State
Interstate, State (includes District of Columbia), Local, Profit organization, State
(1) a State, including the District of Columbia; (2) a group of States; (3) an Interstate Compact; (4) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (5) a political subdivision of a State; (6) Amtrak or another rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation; (7) Any rail carrier in partnership with at least 1 of the entities described in (1) through (5); and (8) any combination of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
Beneficiaries
- State
- Interstate Organization
- For-Profit Organization
Interstate, State (includes District of Columbia), Local, Profit organization, State (1) a State, including the District of Columbia; (2) a group of States; (3) an Interstate Compact; (4) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (5) a political subdivision of a State; (6) Amtrak or another rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation; (7) Any rail carrier in partnership with at least 1 of the entities described in (1) through (5); and (8) any combination of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Applications selected for funding will be announced in a press release and on FRA's website after the application review period. FRA will contact applicants with successful applications after announcement with information and instructions about the award process. This notification is not an authorization to begin proposed project activities. A formal grant agreement or cooperative agreement signed by both the grantee and the FRA, including an approved scope, schedule, and budget, is required before the award is considered complete.
FRA is committed to responding to applicants in a reasonable and timely manner. Response times will vary based on size, scope, complexity and volume of applications.
Program details & compliance
Description
This program funds operating assistance grants for initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity passenger rail transportation.
Mission Categories
Primary: Rail Transportation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation.
Restrictions
Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. The Secretary shall require a grant recipient to enter into a grant agreement that requires such recipient to provide similar information regarding the route performance, financial, and ridership projections, and capital and business plans that Amtrak is required to provide, and such other data and information as the Secretary considers necessary. 96% discretionary funds in FYs 2017 through 2022. Restrictions: ~3% of funds allocated to Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Wyoming based on those states’ rail route miles as a percentage of the nation’s total rail route miles; 1% takedown.
Required Documentation
SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance); SF 424A - Budget Information for Non-Construction or SF 424C Budget Information for Construction; SF 424B – Assurances for Non-Construction or SF 424D – Assurances for Construction; and FRA’s Additional Assurances and Certifications. Other documents may be required as pre-requisites to funding based on program type; documentation demonstrating applicant eligibility (for applicants other than States); National Environmental Policy Act documentation for construction projects and service development programs; program-specific Assurances and Certifications; planning and engineering documentation. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program
Matching Requirements
Other 20% year 1, 40% year 2, 60% year 3 Grants may not exceed— (A) 80 percent of the projected net operating costs for the first year of service; (B) 60 percent of the projected net operating costs for the second year of service; and (C) 40 percent of the projected net operating costs for the third year of service.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Portion of R&E funding for Special Transportation Circumstances Grants.