Brady PieperNew York is investing over $100 million in state funding for rail infrastructure projects to enhance the state’s position in global economic markets and improve safety on railways.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) is announcing up to $101.8 million grants through the next round of the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRAP), a statewide funding initiative designed to maintain, improve and expand vital trade and passenger corridors. For this round, NYDOT will pursue applicants that modernize rail infrastructure and further establish New York as a global commerce destination.
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“Moving freight by rail is good for the economy and good for the environment,” NYDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that our rail infrastructure in New York State works as efficiently and seamlessly as possible and these funds will help invest in projects that do just that.”
The PFRAP initiative is one of three programs that fund rail capital improvements throughout New York, utilizing general state revenues to deliver grants for freight and passenger rail initiatives. Emphasizing a collaborative approach, the program is also designed to encourage public-private partnerships that further strengthen the state’s infrastructure resilience.
In this round, the PFRAP program will provide grants up to $10 million for eligible projects to enhance the state’s rail network, including a variety of track and bridge rehabilitations, rail yard and terminal constructions and upgrades to facilities and infrastructure. The funding will also support the acquisition and rehabilitation of rolling stock, signal systems and initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of railroad facilities.
For public port facilities outside the Port Authority of New York and Jersey, eligible projects will construct or purchase new docks and wharfs, dredging, material handling equipment and upgrades to internal roadways and rail lines.
The application window for the current funding opportunity is open through April 7. NYDOT will encourage railroad companies and owners, state and federal agencies, municipalities and nonprofits to apply to this rail infrastructure funding opportunity. Shippers and other interested entities can also submit applications but must partner with another candidate to remain eligible.
The PFRAP program features a competitive selection process and will prioritize projects that support the state’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and public health. Applicants will also be evaluated on the effectiveness of a cost-benefit analysis, alignment with regional economic plans, safety improvements and the ability to enhance environmental resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
PFRAP’s latest round, awarded in early 2024, delivered a historic $111.1 million in grants to improve the state’s port and rail infrastructure and reduce the need for heavy duty trucks on roads. One of the largest grants from this round, $9.9 million, will support Albany Port District Commission’s rehabilitation project of the Voorheesville Running Track in Albany County.
Interested entities can find more information, guidance and application information on NYDOT’s rail grant webpage. The department will announce future grant opportunities as funding becomes available.
Image by Holger Schué from Pixabay
