FY25-26 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program

The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program is authorized under federal law and supported through multiple appropriations, including recent infrastructure legislation and annual federal funding acts. It represents a significant federal investment in the nation’s rail system, designed to support both freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure. The program is part of a broader federal effort to modernize transportation systems, enhance safety, and strengthen economic competitiveness through improved rail networks. The primary purpose of this program is to fund projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail transportation across the United States. It targets a wide range of needs including reducing congestion at key chokepoints, enhancing multimodal connections, and improving system resiliency. Expected outcomes include reductions in rail-related accidents and incidents, modernization of aging infrastructure, and improvements in service performance. The program emphasizes projects that deliver measurable benefits in safety, operational efficiency, and long-term infrastructure sustainability. Funding under this opportunity supports a broad scope of eligible activities. These include deployment of advanced safety technologies such as positive train control systems, capital improvements to rail infrastructure, grade crossing enhancements, rail line relocations, and workforce development initiatives. Planning and research activities are also eligible, as are projects focused on reducing trespassing incidents and improving emergency preparedness. However, operational expenses are not eligible, and certain restrictions apply, such as limitations on funding commuter rail projects unless they involve specific safety technologies. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and private entities involved in rail transportation or related research. These include state and local governments, tribal governments, rail carriers, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and private sector partners. Some applicants must partner with public entities to qualify. The program requires a cost-sharing component, with the federal share generally not exceeding 80 percent of total project costs. Applicants must clearly identify and document their non-federal funding sources as part of the application. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several required components. Applicants must prepare a detailed project narrative, budget documentation, and a benefit-cost analysis. The project narrative must address eligibility, project scope, funding sources, and expected outcomes, and must follow a structured format with specific sections. Additional required forms include federal assistance applications and certifications. Applicants must also be registered in the System for Award Management and comply with federal submission requirements. Applications are evaluated based on project readiness, technical merit, and expected benefits. Reviewers assess the applicant’s capacity to implement the project, the soundness of the technical approach, and the overall value of the project relative to its cost. Preference may be given to projects that are ready for construction, provide strong economic benefits, or align with national priorities such as infrastructure resilience and innovation. The selection process involves multiple review stages and final approval by senior leadership within the Department of Transportation. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 22, 2026, with submissions required by late evening Eastern Time. Awards are announced following a competitive review process, and selected applicants enter into formal grant agreements with the agency. Projects are funded on a reimbursable basis, and recipients must comply with ongoing reporting and performance requirements. The program is issued periodically based on federal appropriations, indicating a recurring funding opportunity for eligible entities. Additional details and full requirements are outlined in the official notice of funding opportunity document.

Ensure strong benefit-cost analysis and project readiness; demonstrate clear safety and efficiency outcomes; align with FRA priorities such as resilience and innovation