PennDOT: 2024 Rail Freight Grant Application Period Now Open
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on Aug. 5 announced that the application period for the grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTA) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is now open.
In the 2023 grant period, the Shapiro Administration awarded $42.5 million for 25 rail freight projects supporting more than 300 jobs in Pennsylvania, which ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, with 65, and ranks near the top in total track mileage, with more than 5,600 miles, according to the agency.
PennDOT manages two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is funded through the Multimodal Fund created by Act 89 of 2013. Both programs “provide financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure, with the intent of preserving essential rail freight service and stimulating economic growth through new or expanded rail freight service.”
Eligible organizations can apply to either program on the application website now through 4:00 PM on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
