The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced today an unprecedented $2.4 billion in funding for rail improvements across 41 states and Washington, D.C., under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Administered through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the grants will benefit a wide range of communities, prioritizing essential upgrades for short-line railroads that play a vital role in regional supply chains.
This funding, the most significant investment in American rail in over half a century, reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the U.S. transportation network. The CRISI program, unique in its emphasis on supporting small and rural railroads, aims to strengthen the U.S. rail system by addressing aging infrastructure, promoting safety, and advancing environmental goals.
“Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He emphasized the program’s dual focus on creating jobs and reducing costs, underscoring the Administration’s goal to bolster the reliability of both passenger and freight rail services.
The funded projects include improvements across a variety of rail infrastructure components: track upgrades, bridge rehabilitation, expanded port connections, and fleet modernization. Notably, these projects target enhancements in high-demand areas and address key safety issues, including the installation of wayside detectors to prevent derailments caused by wheel and bearing failures.
The funding also addresses workforce needs, with over $14 million earmarked for a collaborative apprenticeship program between Amtrak and labor unions. The initiative aims to train skilled mechanical workers to maintain and improve Amtrak’s fleet, helping to ensure service reliability and safety.
Environmental sustainability is also a priority. For example, Michigan’s $67 million “Detroit RECHARGED” project will modernize the Livernois Intermodal Facility, replacing diesel cranes with hybrid and electric ones. This shift is expected to reduce emissions while enhancing multimodal connections, benefiting local businesses and residents.
The CRISI grants represent a commitment to addressing long-standing underinvestment in U.S. rail infrastructure and are a part of the Administration’s broader push to modernize transportation networks. FRA Administrator Amit Bose highlighted this, stating, “FRA is investing more than ever in communities nationwide, reversing a half-century of federal underinvestment in America’s rail network.”
