Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP)

The Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) through its Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways. This program aims to support and sustain rail freight infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With over 65 operating railroads and more than 5,600 miles of track, Pennsylvania leads the United States in terms of rail activity. Recognizing the essential role rail freight plays in economic development, PennDOT offers financial assistance and technical support to eligible entities to preserve critical rail freight service and promote expansion that has a demonstrable economic benefit. The RFAP is designed to fund capital projects that enhance or maintain freight rail infrastructure. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear economic rationale, such as supporting existing businesses, attracting new industries, or preventing loss of rail service. The program’s core objective is to bolster regional economies by ensuring reliable and efficient rail service. The RFAP can cover up to 70% of a project’s total cost, with the maximum state contribution capped at $700,000. Applicants for the RFAP must submit their proposals through the eGrants system, Pennsylvania’s online grant application portal. After the close of the application window, typically around early September, each applicant is invited to present their proposal in person to the Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways in Harrisburg, PA. This in-person presentation is a critical part of the evaluation process, offering the Bureau an opportunity to clarify the project's impact and ensure alignment with program goals. Applications are reviewed using an objective evaluation process by PennDOT’s Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways. The review seeks to identify projects that fulfill the program's mission and offer tangible benefits to the public. Final funding decisions are made by the State Transportation Commission (STC), and all applicants are formally notified of their status following the STC’s approval. For the 2024 funding cycle, applications were accepted through September 1, 2024, and final awards are expected to be announced in December 2024. As of the current date, the 2024 application cycle is closed, and no new applications are being accepted. Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor the PennDOT website for announcements regarding future application cycles. The grant is not rolling but is expected to recur annually, based on previous years' patterns. Contact information for the program’s administrative staff has not been published on the grant portal. Registered users, including BRF Guest accounts, may log in through dotGrants to review prior applications and stay informed about upcoming cycles.