Peters Announces First-Ever Federal-State Funding Partnership
Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters yesterday announced that, for the first time ever, states will be directly eligible for federal funding to support intercity passenger rail service under a new grant program.
"We want to encourage and support the kind of state investments that are making a difference for passenger rail services," Peters said, noting that between 1996 and 2006, ridership on state-supported intercity routes grew by 88 percent, outpacing the 17 percent increase on all other routes combined.
Peters said the $30 million capital grant program is designed to support state efforts to improve intercity passenger rail service and requires a 50-50 funding match like most other transportation investments. Projects that demonstrate an on-time performance standard of 80 percent or greater, reduce travel time, increase service frequency, or enhance service quality for intercity rail passengers, will receive favorable consideration for funding, she added.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: upgrading existing track to permit higher maximum operating speeds, adding or lengthening passing tracks to increase rail line capacity, improving track switches and signaling systems to advance reliability and safety, and purchasing new passenger rail cars to enhance the travel experience.
"Rail passengers demand improved service and quality and this grant program will allow states to address these concerns," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, highlighting that individual or multiple states working together can submit applications.
The Federal Railroad Administration is administering this grant program and will begin accepting applications on March 18, 2008, with the expectation that awards will be made later this year. The full Notice of Funding Availability can be found at www.fra.dot.gov.