Federal Grants for Passenger Rail Top $8 Billion

The Federal Railroad Administration announced the grants to dozens of projects for expanding or building new rail corridors.

1 minute read

December 11, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of 'To Trains' sign above blurred train platform in Washington, D.C.

Train platform at Union Station in Washington, D.C. | Andriy Blokhin / Adobe Stock

Passenger rail projects throughout the United States got a boost this week with an infusion of $8.2 billion in grants from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), reports Brandon Lewis in Mass Transit.

The grants are awarded through the Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State National) Program and the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program and include projects on new or existing rail corridors. 

“As part of the Fed-State National program, Amtrak has been awarded more than $2.1 billion to improve existing routes and advance plans to expand Amtrak service across the United States.” Grantees include California’s long-delayed high-speed rail project, which is making headway in the Central Valley, and the new Brightline West HSR line between Las Vegas and Southern California.

The new Corridor ID program funds planning and development activities for new or existing rail routes, such as the proposed Cascadia High-Speed Rail Corridor in the Pacific Northwest, a new HSR line between Dallas and Houston, and expanded service on key Florida lines.

Monday, December 11, 2023 in Mass Transit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

elongated-horizontal-arrow-3.webp

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog