Statement on FRA’s Announcement of Grants for High-Speed Rail and Passenger Rail Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2023

Background:

The U.S. Department of Transportation revealed significant progress in advancing two key passenger rail initiatives last week, accelerating the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In a December 8 announcement, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) unveiled funding commitments totaling $8.1 billion for ten passenger rail projects nationwide, featuring substantial financial support for two high-speed rail ventures. Concurrently, the FRA introduced the inaugural Corridor Identification Program (Corridor ID) list, designating 69 routes throughout the country to benefit from planning and service development funding.

In response to this announcement, OneRail Coalition Director Devon Barnhart said:

“This groundbreaking $8.2 billion infusion into passenger rail is historic and will have transformative ripple effects across the country. Addressing a longstanding underinvestment in passenger rail projects, these much-needed grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow stakeholders to work together to foster connectivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support union jobs.”

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About OneRail

OneRail is a diverse group of stakeholders who have come together to educate America about the benefits of a strong freight and passenger rail system. Learn more at www.onerail.org; follow OneRail on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.