The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has officially opened the application window for $41 million in grant funding through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). Applications are due by Aug. 28.
Both programs will support investments in the state’s rail freight infrastructure, seeking to preserve critical service where feasible and preserve or promote economic development through new or expanded rail freight service. Recipients may also use awards to maintain or build rail freight infrastructure.
Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Railroad companies.
- Transportation organizations.
- Municipalities.
- Municipal authorities.
- Users of rail freight infrastructure.
Projects that receive funding must fall under either capital maintenance or construction of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure.
Maintenance projects must restore, improve or maintain existing railroad lines. These projects may include any that replace ties, rail, plates, turnouts, other track materials or ballast.
Construction projects include those that build railroad lines. Eligible projects may buy or build track, ties, rail, plates, turnouts, other track materials or ballast. They may also include track wayside equipment.
Awards may only cover 70 percent of a project’s budget, while property acquisition cannot exceed 25 perccent of the total application budget. While at-grade crossings are eligible, public at-grade may benefit from up to 70 percent of the state share whereas private at-grade cannot exceed 25 percent of the budget. However, eliminating at-grade crossings for both public and private projects are eligible for up to 70 percent of state share.
The application notes that no more than 5 percent of the budget can go toward buying or rehabilitating rolling stock. In addition, no more than 10 percent of the state share can be used for project management services. The grantee must provide the remaining 30 percent of costs from non-state funds.
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