Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP)

The Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is a state-funded grant initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) through its Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways. Pennsylvania, home to 65 operating railroads and over 5,600 miles of track, leads the nation in railroad operations. RFAP aims to preserve and improve this critical infrastructure by providing financial support to railroads and businesses engaged in freight rail transport. The program’s central goal is to maintain essential rail freight service where it remains economically viable and to stimulate economic development through new or expanded freight rail access. RFAP is intended to ensure the continued operation and modernization of rail infrastructure, which plays a key role in Pennsylvania’s industrial economy. Eligible projects may include track rehabilitation, bridge repairs, rail yard improvements, and other freight-focused capital improvements. Under RFAP, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania funds up to 70 percent of total project costs, with a maximum state contribution of $700,000 per project. The remaining 30 percent must be covered by the applicant or other funding sources. This matching structure promotes public-private collaboration and encourages applicants to prioritize cost-effective and impactful investments. Applicants must submit their proposals via PennDOT’s eGrants platform. Following submission, each applicant is invited to present their project in person to the Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These presentations are used to inform the Bureau's recommendations to the State Transportation Commission (STC), which ultimately approves RFAP awards. For the 2024 grant cycle, the application deadline was September 1, 2024. Award announcements are typically made in December following STC approval. All applicants are notified of the outcome once funding decisions are finalized. The RFAP operates on an annual cycle, and interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the PennDOT website for updates on the next round of funding opportunities.

Applicants to RTAP should initiate early contact with legislators to secure line items. Presentations to the Bureau can influence selection.