The FY26 Northeast Corridor IIJA Supplemental Cooperative Agreement is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant is rooted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), enacted in November 2021, which allocates significant investments to modernize and improve transportation infrastructure across the United States. Specifically, this cooperative agreement provides supplemental funding to Amtrak for projects that enhance the Northeast Corridor (NEC), a critical passenger rail route connecting major urban centers from Washington, D.C. to Boston.
The opportunity makes available $1.189 billion in FY26 for Amtrak to carry out key capital improvements, including the acquisition of rolling stock and the modernization of associated facilities. Additional priorities include deferred capital work that benefits the NEC, capital renewal of backlogged infrastructure projects, and upgrades to Amtrak-served stations to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Furthermore, the funding may be used as the non-federal match for other eligible projects awarded under 49 U.S.C. 24911(f), following the enactment of the IIJA.
Only Amtrak is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. This exclusivity is due to the statutory language and operational responsibility Amtrak holds over the NEC. No cost sharing or matching funds are required as part of the grant agreement. Applications must be submitted electronically through GrantSolutions. First-time users receive account credentials upon announcement posting, while returning applicants use existing accounts to log in and submit materials.
To complete the application, Amtrak must include several specific components: the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424B and SF-424D assurance forms (for non-construction and construction programs, respectively); a detailed Statement of Work; and signed versions of the FRA’s Assurances and Certifications forms. All required forms are accessible via the FRA’s official website.
The application window opened with the grant’s posting on October 29, 2025, and closes on November 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. No pre-application steps, such as letters of intent or concept papers, are required for submission. The grant is not recurring and no future cycles have been indicated. For assistance, applicants may contact Lou Lorello in the Office of Railroad Chief Financial Officer for budget-related inquiries, and Emily Chan in the Office of Railroad Development for technical assistance. The GrantSolutions Help Desk is also available for general support during standard business hours.
