FRA Conducts Webinar with State DOT's to assist in Applying for FY'10 Funding
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conducted a Webinar on June 30, 2010 for state departments of transportation and other eligible applicants to assist in applying for the remaining $2.37 Billion in federal funding for FY 2010.
NOFA Individual Projects
NOFA Service Development Program
Webinar Presentation
Additional information including audio/visual from the Webinar can be found at:
http://www.fra.dot.gov
Planning Grants Announced by FRA
The Federal Railroad Administration announced during a Conference Call with AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Rail Transportation that for FY ’10 Planning Grants – the FRA received 43 applications from 23 States totaling $137 million. In addition, 4 Multi-state proposals were submitted totaling $49 million. In addition, the remaining federal funds from FY’09 for capital infrastructure projects totaled $130 million in requests from 4 States.
Total funding available includes: approximately $65 million in remaining FY’09 federal funds and up to $50 million in FY’10 planning grants. The State DOT’s with these applications continue to show significant interest in planning for and constructing a national high speed and intercity passenger rail network.
AASHTO Pleased by Release of Funds for Passenger Rail
State departments of transportation today received federal funds for high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects worth nearly $80 million.
"State departments of transportation are encouraged by this initial release of Recovery funds for high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects," said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. "A total of 31 states and the District of Columbia will share a portion of the unprecedented $8 billion in Recovery Act funds. Our DOTs are ready to put these investments and thousands of people to work today, building a passenger rail system America will use for generations," Horsley said. Read the complete story...
Top Rail Officials Discussing Next Gen. Equipment and Jobs
The committee charged with helping to shape the future of high-speed and intercity passenger rail manufacturing in America is met recently in Chicago, Illinois with more than 200 domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers of passenger rail equipment. The next Generation Equipment Committee is made up of members from state transportation departments, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Amtrak. Its primary focus is to develop specifications and procurement strategies for America's next generation of passenger rail cars and equipment, including more powerful locomotives. Read the full story...
A world class system of high-speed and intercity passenger rail in America is no longer just a dream. It is real and its success is critical to transforming transportation in our lifetime.
State departments of transportation have spearheaded the effort to develop and fund a national intercity passenger rail system for the past decade. They have planned, financed, and delivered successful intercity passenger rail service, and they will lead the development of high-speed rail systems across the nation.
Fueled by $8 billion in economic recovery funding, and a strong consensus of continuing support in Congress, America is making a permanent investment in passenger rail. Regardless of which routes are first to get awards, there will not be winners and losers. There will be winners and future winners.
State transportation departments are providing best practices, technical assistance, standards development and planning to create the next generation of passenger rail service connecting America.