Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program

(1) Deployment of railroad safety technology, including positive train control and rail integrity inspection systems. (2) A capital project as defined in section 24401(2), except that a project shall not be required to be in a State rail plan developed under chapter 227. (3) A capital project identified by the Secretary as being necessary to address congestion challenges affecting rail service. (4) A capital project identified by the Secretary as being necessary to reduce congestion and facilitate ridership growth in intercity passenger rail transportation along heavily traveled rail corridors. (5) A highway-rail grade crossing improvement project, including installation, repair, or improvement of grade separations, railroad crossing signals, gates, and related technologies, highway traffic signalization, highway lighting and crossing approach signage, roadway improvements such as medians or other barriers, railroad crossing panels and surfaces, and safety engineering improvements to reduce risk in quiet zones or potential quiet zones. (6) A rail line relocation and improvement project. (7) A capital project to improve short-line or regional railroad infrastructure. (8) The preparation of regional rail and corridor service development plans and corresponding environmental analyses. (9) Any project that the Secretary considers necessary to enhance multimodal connections or facilitate service integration between rail service and other modes, including between intercity rail passenger transportation and intercity bus service or commercial air service. (10) The development and implementation of a safety program or institute designed to improve rail safety. (11) Any research that the Secretary considers necessary to advance any particular aspect of rail related capital, operations, or safety improvements; and (12) Workforce development and training activities, coordinated to the extent practicable with the existing local training programs supported by the Department of Transportation, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Education. ~96% discretionary funds (where 25% of these funds are allocated to rural areas) in FY20. 1% takedown.~80% discretionary funds (where 25% of these funds are allocated to rural areas) in FY 17 FY 17 Restrictions: $10 M of funds allocated to capital projects for initiation/restoration of service ~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.

No restriction on period of time the assistance normally is available. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Assistance is awarded upon request for reimbursement Funding is obligated through cooperative agreements or grants, and outlays occur as reimbursement. Funding will only be obligated and disbursed as milestones are achieved.