Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-NEC)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Purpose

To fund capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

The NOFO lists all eligible uses, but generally funding is eligible to be used for the repair or rehabilitation of intercity rail service assets, projects to improve or establish new intercity rail, and the planning process related to these projects.

Decarbonization Considerations

Intercity rail reduces traffic congestion, emissions, and vehicle miles traveled within a city. Keeping equipment and infrastructure up to date can make the broader system more effective and more efficiently move people and goods around.

Equity Considerations

The presence of effective and well-maintained public transit is fundamental to reducing barriers for disadvantaged communities to access public resources. Consider siting new intercity rail stations where they are accessible to underserved areas, and include prospectively impacted communities in planning and visioning.

Helpful Tips

There are separate NOFOs and funding allocations for projects that are in the Northeast Corridor and those that are not. See "Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-National)" for the national-specific program NOFO.

Other Notes

See past awardees here: https://railroads.dot.gov/federal-state-partnership-intercity-passenger