The Federal Railroad Administration awarded more than $291 million to 11 intercity passenger rail projects in nine states on October 28 via its State of Good Repair Program, which aims to improve intercity passenger rail performance by funding capital projects to repair, replace, or rehabilitate publicly owned or controlled railroad assets.

[Above photo via the NYSDOT.]

The agency noted that this round of funding is comprised of $198 million from the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and just more than $93 million remaining from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019.

“This administration has invested billions in railroad infrastructure to ensure the safe movement of passengers and goods throughout our nation,” noted Ronald Batory, FRA administrator, in a statement.

“These investments have proven vital during this challenging year and kept essential supplies moving throughout our nation, and these State of Good Repair grants will continue those improvements and enhance passenger rail service to ready the nation for the forthcoming recovery,” he added.

Three state department of transportation projects received fiscal support via this round of State of Good Repair grants:

• Connecticut Department of Transportation: Up to $79.7 million to help fund its Walk Bridge replacement project.
• Michigan Department of Transportation: More than $15.5 million for Ypsilanti to Jackson rail line curve modifications.
• New York State Department of Transportation: Up to $2 million for Hudson Avenue grade crossing rehabilitation and safety improvements.