Wednesday, March 31, 2010 (Washington, DC)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) this week will begin accepting applications for $115 million in planning and construction project funds for high-speed intercity passenger rail.

These solicitations will make available $50 million in planning project funds appropriated under the FY 2010 DOT Appropriations Act, and approximately $65 million in residual construction project funds appropriated under the FY 2009 DOT Appropriations Act.

“We are excited to move forward the President's vision on high-speed rail and are working quickly to get funding in the hands of states,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

“We look forward to working with states to lay the groundwork for their high-speed rail programs and also help other states get specific projects off the ground so that jobs can be created in the near-term,” said FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “These funds supplement the President’s initial down payment on high-speed rail and represent a commitment to developing a world-class transportation network.”

Applications and proposals for these funds will be due back to FRA by May 19, with selection announcements made during summer 2010.

The Notice of Funds Availability (NOFAs) are available at:

FY 2009 FD/Construction
http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/476.shtml

FY 2010 Planning
http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/475.shtml

FY 2010 Multi-State Planning Proposals
http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/474.shtml