Feds Open $1B Grant Round for Intercity Rail

The Federal Railroad Administration will award funding to projects aimed at improving and building new intercity rail connections.

1 minute read

October 11, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


AMtrak train passing through dense green forest in Index, Washington.

IanDewarPhotography / Adobe Stock

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) opened a $1 billion round of grants for expanding intercity passenger rail outside the Northeast Corridor.

As Dan Zukowski explains in Smart Cities Dive, the funding, part of the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program, is aimed at promoting the construction or improvement of intercity rail lines and infrastructure. Eligible projects include new or improved rail service as well as programs that improve safety or reliability, environmental reviews, and other planning projects.

Jennifer Mitchell, former FRA deputy administrator, said at the American Public Transportation Association conference that the program is part of the FRA’s broader vision “to have a much more frequent, reliable connection between cities across the country.”

Monday, October 7, 2024 in Smart Cities Dive

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

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

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