Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP)

The Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is a state-funded initiative designed to support rail infrastructure improvement projects that are listed as line items within a Capital Budget Act. This program operates under the authority of PennDOT’s Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways, which also oversees the broader rail freight assistance framework across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania boasts the largest number of operating railroads in the United States—65 in total—and over 5,600 miles of track, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining and enhancing this network. The RTAP is distinct from PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) in that eligibility is contingent upon having a project specified as a line item in the state's Capital Budget. Consequently, applicants are required to proactively coordinate with their state legislators—either a state representative or senator—to secure this designation. The funding under RTAP is limited to a maximum of 70 percent of total project costs, up to the amount stipulated in the Capital Budget line item. This structure ensures that the Commonwealth invests only in projects that have demonstrated political and financial support at the legislative level. Applications for RTAP funding must be submitted through PennDOT’s eGrants portal. While the portal is used for both RTAP and RFAP applications, eligibility and evaluation differ depending on the funding stream. Once submitted, applications are reviewed objectively by PennDOT’s Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports, and Waterways. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals and potential public benefit. After the close of the application period, applicants are invited to present their projects in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These presentations provide additional context and detail to aid in the decision-making process. Upon completion of presentations and internal review, PennDOT submits selected projects to the State Transportation Commission (STC) for final approval. Once the STC approves the slate of projects, all applicants are notified of their funding status. The most recent application round for RTAP closed on September 1, 2024, and final award decisions are typically made by December of the same year. While the program is not offered on a rolling basis, it does recur annually, making it important for potential applicants to monitor PennDOT announcements for future cycles. Currently, all rail freight grant programs are closed. Prospective applicants are encouraged to register in the dotGrants system and maintain communication with PennDOT to prepare for future funding rounds. The RTAP program remains a critical mechanism by which Pennsylvania supports its rail freight infrastructure, ensuring the movement of goods and support of local economies throughout the Commonwealth.