Notice of Funding Opportunity: Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI)
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice of funding opportunity to obtain grant funding for eligible projects under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
Applications for funding under this solicitation are due no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, June 19, 2020.
This program leverages private, state and local investments to support safety enhancements and general improvements to infrastructure for both intercity passenger and freight railroads. The U.S. rail network is central to the success of the American economy, carrying more than 1.8 billion tons of freight valued at more than $830 billion annually, and over 32.5 million passengers on Intercity Rail Passenger Transportation services. Both services primarily operate over privately-owned and maintained infrastructure, allowing for strong private, capital market investment that generates public benefit, including public-private partnerships among other models.
Rural transportation networks play a vital role in supporting our national economic vitality. Addressing the deteriorating conditions and disproportionately high fatality rates on our rural transportation infrastructure is of critical interest to DOT, as rural transportation networks face unique challenges in safety, infrastructure condition, and passenger and freight usage. Consistent with the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (R.O.U.T.E.S.) Initiative, DOT will consider how the project will address the challenges faced by rural areas.
Rail safety projects include, but are not limited to, grade crossing enhancements, rail line relocations and improvements, and deployment of railroad safety technology. Eligible work also includes: Regional rail and corridor planning, environmental analyses, and research, workforce development, and training.