FY23-New Haven Line Track Speed Improv Phase 1(Time)-Congressionally Directed

The Federal Railroad Administration within the United States Department of Transportation has released a discretionary grant opportunity under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. This specific opportunity, referenced as FY23-New Haven Line Track Speed Improvement Phase 1 (Congressionally Directed), is identified by the funding number FR-CCD-23-011. The opportunity is structured as a grant award with a total available funding of twelve million dollars. The grant has been posted on August 15, 2025, with a last update noted on August 20, 2025. The purpose of this funding is to support improvements that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of both intercity passenger and freight rail service. By targeting infrastructure along the New Haven Line, the initiative reflects a federal commitment to ensuring the continued viability and operational performance of this critical corridor. This type of investment aims to strengthen public transportation systems, enhance travel times, and bolster overall rail service capacity. The funding scope is limited, with only one award expected, meaning the entire available funding ceiling of twelve million dollars will likely be distributed to a single recipient. The Federal Railroad Administration specifies that the only eligible applicant for this award is the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This exclusive eligibility condition reflects congressional direction to support state-level infrastructure priorities tied directly to the New Haven Line. Applications were originally scheduled to close on August 22, 2025, but the deadline has been extended to August 27, 2025. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov before this final deadline. The program does require cost sharing or matching contributions, although the precise matching amount is not specified in the notice. Applicants are expected to follow federal guidance on cost-sharing standards. The archive date for the opportunity is listed as September 26, 2025, at which point materials will no longer be accessible for submission. For additional details or assistance with accessing the full announcement, applicants are directed to contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk. The help desk can be reached by telephone at 1-866-577-0771 or 202-401-5282. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. While no email contact was provided, phone support is the recommended method. The notice does not list evaluation criteria or application questions, leaving applicants to reference federal application standards under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. In summary, this grant opportunity represents a targeted federal investment into a state-managed rail corridor, prioritizing speed and reliability improvements that will have direct impacts on passenger and freight operations. The timeline for application is short, with a narrow eligibility condition and a large single award amount. Applicants must ensure compliance with submission requirements by the August 27, 2025, deadline to be considered.