FY24-25 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program - National

The Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National) is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation. Established under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and expanded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the program supports the rehabilitation, improvement, and expansion of intercity passenger rail infrastructure across the United States. The FY 2024–2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) covers projects not located on the Northeast Corridor and represents a continuation and enlargement of the federal commitment to modernize and extend passenger rail service nationally. The total funding available under this announcement is up to $5.07 billion, combining fiscal year appropriations from 2024 and 2025 with previously de-obligated IIJA funds. The program’s objectives are to improve safety, reduce the state of good repair backlog, enhance performance, and expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated routes if partnered with an eligible applicant. FRA emphasizes that projects should align with federal priorities, avoid purely local objectives, and demonstrate operational independence and financial sustainability without reliance on indefinite federal support. Eligible project types include capital investments to replace or rehabilitate existing assets, improve performance, expand service, and undertake planning, environmental review, final design, or construction phases of qualifying rail initiatives. Projects may also include right-of-way acquisition in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. Eligible applicants include state governments, groups of states, interstate compacts, public agencies or publicly chartered authorities established by one or more states, political subdivisions of a state, Amtrak (individually or in partnership with states), federally recognized Indian Tribes, or combinations of these entities. Private sector firms may participate as partners but cannot directly receive awards. The federal share of total project costs may not exceed 80 percent, requiring a minimum 20 percent non-federal match, which can be provided through public or private funding sources, in-kind contributions, or Amtrak revenues from operations. Matching funds must be clearly identified and documented within the application. Applications are to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by **January 7, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time**. Required components include the project narrative, benefit-cost analysis, environmental compliance documentation, budget forms (SF-424 series), certifications, financial capability questionnaire, and any applicable agreements with host railroads. FRA encourages applicants to submit early and ensure compliance with all SAM.gov registration and Grants.gov submission requirements. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The FRA evaluates projects based on readiness, technical merit, and project benefits, including safety improvements, service performance, reliability, economic development, and integration with other transportation modes. Preference is given to projects involving partnerships beyond Amtrak, those consistent with the Corridor Identification and Development Program, and those that enhance system safety and state of good repair. The review process involves eligibility screening, technical evaluation, steering committee review, and final selection by the Secretary of Transportation. Awards are announced publicly following selection, and recipients must execute grant agreements including detailed scope, schedule, and budget before obligation of funds. Post-award requirements include compliance with the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR part 200, Buy America and Build America provisions, civil rights and ADA requirements, and FRA’s reporting standards. Recipients must provide quarterly progress and financial reports, maintain data-sharing agreements for safety and technology information, and consider cybersecurity and resilience in project design. Evaluation and program performance measures such as on-time performance, reduction of grade crossing incidents, and infrastructure improvements will be tracked. The program operates on a recurring annual basis, and future NOFOs are expected as additional IIJA and appropriations act funds become available. For questions, applicants may contact the FRA at **FRA-NOFO-Support@dot.gov**.