FY26-Supp #1-Northeast Corridor Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation

The Northeast Corridor Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding opportunity is authorized under the FY2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act and represents a targeted federal investment in intercity passenger rail infrastructure and operations. The program is designed specifically to support Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, as the sole eligible applicant, reflecting its statutory role in operating and maintaining the Northeast Corridor and national passenger rail services. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to provide substantial federal funding to support both capital expenditures and debt service obligations associated with Amtrak’s operations. The funding is intended to sustain and improve rail infrastructure, maintain service reliability, and support ongoing and planned projects across the Northeast Corridor as well as broader national network routes. This includes investments in train services, infrastructure upgrades, and operational improvements that align with federal transportation priorities. Funds awarded under this opportunity may be used for a combination of capital and operating-related costs, including infrastructure projects, system improvements, and debt servicing. The funding is available for obligation and expenditure through January 31, 2029, or until fully expended, whichever occurs first. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this award, indicating full federal funding support for the eligible activities outlined in the agreement. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is explicitly restricted to Amtrak. No other entities, including state or local governments, nonprofits, or private organizations, are eligible to apply. This exclusivity reflects congressional direction and the unique role of Amtrak in delivering intercity passenger rail services. As such, the application process is tailored specifically to Amtrak’s operational and reporting structure. To apply, Amtrak must submit a complete application package electronically, including the Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), a detailed Statement of Work, and multiple supporting documents. These include projections of operating and capital costs for the upcoming fiscal year, comparisons to prior year performance, detailed descriptions of proposed capital projects with cost estimates and timelines, and documentation of efforts to improve organizational safety culture. Additional required forms include federal assurances for both construction and non-construction programs, as well as signed certification documents from the Federal Railroad Administration. Applications are due by April 30, 2026, with no pre-application or letter of intent phase required. The opportunity was posted on April 6, 2026, and remains open for a limited application window. There is no indication that this opportunity is recurring; rather, it appears tied to a specific appropriations cycle. Award decisions and funding distribution are expected to follow federal review of the submitted materials, though specific notification timelines are not detailed in the announcement. For assistance with the application process or technical issues, applicants may contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk via phone or email during standard business hours. While no specific program officer is named, this centralized support resource is available to ensure successful submission and compliance with federal requirements. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in maintaining and advancing the United States’ passenger rail infrastructure through a single, congressionally designated entity.