$9.3 billion
Competitive Grant Application Process
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
$1.3 Billion to AMTRAK, $850 Million to repair, rehabilitate or upgrade railroad assets or infrastructure and for capital projects that expand passenger rail capacity. $450 Million for capital security grants.
(1) Potential infrastructure support and/or grading for Airport Intermodal ($10 million)
$8.0 Billion to Federal Railroad Administration to provide capital assistance for the development of intercity high speed rail service. The Sec. of Transportation must develop a plan for the use of these funds within 60 days and issue guidance 120 days later. NCDOT has communicated their interest in pursuing the implementation of high speed rail between Washington, DC and Charlotte. NCDOT is also likely to request funding for the other following projects in our area:
(1) Charlotte Rail Improvement and Safety Project ($80 Million) This project grade separates the Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads next to the Archer Daniels Midland site on Graham St and improves the North Corridor Commuter Rail operation.
(2) Sugar Creek Grade Separation ($34 Million) This project removes the at grade crossing with Sugar Creek Rd, is necessary for High Speed Rail in the future and would be beneficial to complete at the same time or prior to the LYNX BLE project. Norfolk Southern and North Carolina RR both support this project and have matching funds to participate in the project.
(3) Double-Track 26.3 miles of the NCRR between High Point and Charlotte ($65 Million)
(4) ROW acquisition for the Charlotte Gateway Station ($7.5 Million)
(5) Signal Improvements at the Charlotte Station ($1 Million)
Grants will be awarded on a discretionary basis to states to fund necessary capital improvements to improve intercity passenger rail service. Grants under this program are awarded to the most meritorious projects as measured against statutory criteria. Priority will be given to projects that support development of intercity high speed rail service. These competitive grants are to be used to improve the speed and capacity of intercity passenger rail service and high speed rail corridors. This is a new program that was approved in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. There will be no matching funds required. Periodic reports to the Federal Transit Administration that will include information on spending and job creation will be required. Discretionary grants to States to provide capital assistance for improving intercity passenger rail service as well as maintaining existing passenger rail corridors.
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David McDonald, CATS, 704-336-6900
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www.fra.dot.gov
www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/1954
