National Railroad Partnership Program / Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant Program

National Railroad Partnership Program / Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant Program is sponsored by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This program provides funding for capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service, if an eligible applicant is involved.

FY24-25 National Railroad Partnership Program - Association of American Railroads FY24-25 National Railroad Partnership Program 49 USC § 24911 — Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail National Railroad Partnership Program Grant Requirements To complete your submission, go to Grants. gov , click Search Now , then in the Assistance Listings field use 20. 326 .

Application Due Date: January 7, 2026 Total Funding for Awards Under the Program: $5,070,784,989 Download This Page as a PDF DOT Definitions of Key Terms for Discretionary Grant Programs FRA Environmental Review Process & Requirements FRA Cost Estimate Guidance (recommended to account for external factors and cost impacts of time) US DOT Crossing Numbers Tool Required Templates for the various Statements of Work (these include scope, budget, schedule, performance measures) FRA Webinar Recordings on program overview, safety data, and Benefit Cost Analysis and NEPA.

General Guidance for Discretionary Grants In addition to the Project Narrative and Statements of Work, projects must include: Environmental Compliance Documentation Draft Agreement required under 49 U.S.C 22905(c)(1), if applicable Corridor Identification Documentation SF 424: Application for Federal Assistance SF 424A: Budget Information for Non-Construction or SF 424C—Budget Information for Construction SF 424B: Assurances for Non-Construction or SF 424D—Assurances for Construction FRA F 30: Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying FRA F 251: Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire SF LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities , if applicable NOTE: A grant may be awarded for only up to 80% of the total project cost and project sponsor must provide a 20% non-federal match.

Other federal funds (such as funds from another grant) cannot be used for the non-federal match. State or local public funding, private funding, or a combination of public and private funds can serve as the non-Federal match. While not required, a higher non-federal match (e.g., 30%, 40%) may be helpful in winning grant.

If the project’s expected total federal cost is over $80M, it is eligible for phased funding agreement. Grants. gov Resources for First Time Applicants TIP: All applicants must register with grants.

gov and SAM. gov (tracking website) before applying. The SAM.

gov application takes 10 days to complete, so register early. Introduction to Grants. gov Grant Application Tips & Tricks Applying for a federal grant?

Below are key strategies to help your application stand out and succeed. You can find more information directly from USDOT as well: Navigating Federal Grant Applications Grant Application Considerations Grant Evaluation Criteria Build a Strong Application Tell your story : Submit a narrative with your application.

This is a written description of why there is a funding need, how the proposed project will address this need, and what positive impact the project is expected to have on the community. Show community support : Include letters from local stakeholders. Back it up with data : Consider quantifying statements or providing data points specific to the project area and/or community.

Outline your plan : Clearly outline processes and procedures for tracking and monitoring project activities throughout the lifecycle. This may include performance measures, financial plans, or staffing models. Follow procurement rules : You may need to demonstrate your organization has sound procurement policies and procedures in place, some of which will need to be in adherence with federal acquisition requirements.

Engage with subject matter experts to provide any technical or nuanced inputs and information (e.g., financial, engineering) to the application. Attend any financial management training courses provided for new potential applicants. Connect with state and local resources as needed to assist with financial planning, permitting, and other approvals.

Identify and reach out to a program’s point of contact with specific questions as they arise. Plan & Coordinate Effectively Build partnerships : Relationships with state entities can be critically important to application submission, success, and post-award project completion.

DOT State Contacts for Each State & Territory State Department of Transportation Website for Each U.S. State Regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) State Regional Transportation Planning Organization Plan for land needs : Detail your timeline for right-of-way acquisition and design.

Prepare for permits : You should demonstrate, through your project schedule, application narrative, and supporting documents, that you can reasonably expect to obtain any necessary environmental approvals and permits without delaying the anticipated start of construction of a new infrastructure project.

USDOT NEPA Presentation (National Association of Development Organizations Conference) FTA Environmental Programs (Including Environmental Resource Information) FHWA Environmental Review Toolkit Project Readiness Guidance (From Recent RAISE Grants) Coordinate right-of-way acquisition with USDOT, which varies by mode: FTA Guidance on Real Property Acquisition / FHWA Guidance on Real Estate Prepare for right-of-way acquisition: You should demonstrate, through your project schedule, that you reasonably expect to have right-of-way acquisition and design completed, as well as any other required approvals or pre-construction steps.

You should submit a reasonable schedule of when right-of-way (if applicable), design, and any other required approvals are expected to be obtained. Stay focused : Make sure rest of your application ties back to the need indicated, describing how the proposed project is able to effectively address this need and how the project impact will close the identified gap(s).

Demonstrate readiness : Show you’re ready to begin construction and manage the project.

You can do this through: Readiness to proceed into construction (if applicable) Capacity to carry out the proposed project (e.g., legal, financial, and technical capacity) Consistency with USDOT planning guidance and regulations Project activity work plan, schedule, and process Project implementation strategy, and signed and submitted certifications and permits (including environmental approvals).

Avoid delays : You should demonstrate that you can reasonably expect to complete certain activities and pre-construction so that all grant funds are obligated in advance of any statutory deadline . You should be able to demonstrate that any unexpected delays will not put USDOT grant funds at risk of expiring before they can be fully obligated.

Show Follow Through: Application evaluators may look for an application to include a detailed project evaluation and monitoring plan and/or strategy to determine if the applicant is able to follow through with the planned activities. Submit a clear schedule : Include a realistic timeline and work plan. Highlight experience : Share past success with similar projects or grants.

Show collaboration : Some programs may assess partnerships and coordination discussed or proposed in a project application. This could include: Jointly applying with multiple entities, proposing multiple funding sources for the non-federal cost share to demonstrate broad participation by affected stakeholders. Highlighting public-private partnerships.

Coordinating with local and regional entities. Including written statements of intent from potential customers. Demonstrating outreach and inputs captured from communities and industry groups.

Italic text indicates statutory text. The project must be on a passenger rail line or planned passenger rail line. If you are unsure if the crossing project for which you want to apply is on a passenger route, check FRA’s Freight Rail Network Mapping Tool.

If your project is not on a passenger route, consider applying for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant or Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant .

For item 2 below, the September 2025 NOFO includes a footnote specifying that “a project that enhances safety including grade crossing improvement is eligible under this criterion provided the project also demonstrates an improvement to intercity passenger rail service.

” 49 USC 24911(c) sets forth the eligible projects: The following capital projects, including acquisition of real property interests, are eligible to receive grants under this section: A project to replace, rehabilitate, or repair infrastructure, equipment, or a facility used for providing intercity passenger rail service to bring such assets into a state of good repair.

A project to improve intercity passenger rail service performance, including reduced trip times, increased train frequencies, higher operating speeds, improved reliability, expanded capacity, reduced congestion, electrification, and other improvements, as determined by the Secretary . A project to expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service. A group of related projects described in paragraphs (1) through (3).

The planning, environmental studies, and final design for a project or group of projects described in paragraphs (1) through (4).

49 USC 24911(a)(1) defines the entities eligible for grants under the program, including (A) State (including the District of Columbia); (C) an Interstate Compact; (D) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (E) a political subdivision of a State; (F) Amtrak, acting on its own behalf or under a cooperative agreement with 1 or more States; (G) a federally recognized Indian Tribe; or (H) any combination of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (G).

TIP: Applicants who can demonstrate experience and past performance in project and/or grant management may have a higher likelihood of demonstrating that they can be effective stewards of federal funds. NOTE: Project Narrative must not exceed 25 pages (excluding cover page, tables of contents, and supporting notation). I.

Cover Page (See Section 4(a)(I) of NOFO) Must list elements in table or formatted list Applicant(s) (both lead and joint, if applicable) Federal Funding Requested under the NOFO Amount of proposed Non-Federal share, including potential private sector participation for non-NEC projects (see 24911(d)(2)(B)(ii)) Sources of proposed Non-Federal share Amount of other Federal funding, if applicable Source (s) of other Federal funding, if applicable All costs and the value of any resources needed to complete the Project Development, Final Design, and Construction stages of a capital project.

Total cost by Lifecycle Stage(s) for which funding is requested under this NOFO (list each Lifecycle Stage and cost separately) Is right of way acquisition (ROW) part of this funding request? (Please provide funding request associated with ROW).

City(ies), State(s) where the project is located Congressional District(s) where the project is located Geospatial data for project location(s) in decimal degrees (with at least five decimal places of precision). If a track segment or corridor, provide start and end point data.

Current Lifecycle Stage of project at time of application Anticipated completion date of current Lifecycle Stage Application Lifecyle Stage(s) proposed to be funded by this NOFO Existing Intercity Passenger Rail service(s) on routes not more than 750 miles benefiting from the project If applicable, existing Long-Distance service(s) (routes greater than 750 miles) benefiting from the project If applicable, existing Commuter Rail service(s) benefitting from the project If applicable, what Corridor, as identified in FY 2022 CID Selections , is benefitting from the project Host Railroad/infrastructure owner(s) of project assets and property Other impacted Railroad(s) Tenant Railroad(s), if applicable If applicable, is a 49 U.S.C.

22905 -compliant Railroad Agreement in place or pending? If LOI requested for Projects in Project Development, provide amount of future request of Final Design/Construction request. If PFA requested for Final Design and Construction: (a) Provide amount of request under this NOFO for initial obligation.

(b) Provide amount of request under this NOFO for contingent commitment (equal to the remaining amount of the project cost). TIP : If you do not know the host railroad for your project, consult FRA’s Rail Network site. II.

Project Summary (See Section 4(a)(11) of NOFO Summarize the description of the project and how it will meet one or more of the statutory goals of the program; 4-6 sentences Preferences for non-NEC projects (49 USC 22911(d)(2)(A)): the Secretary shall— (A) give preference to eligible projects— (i) for which Amtrak is not the sole applicant; (ii) that improve the financial performance, reliability, service frequency, or address the state of good repair of an Amtrak route; and (iii) that are identified in, and consistent with, a corridor inventory prepared under the Corridor Identification and Development Program pursuant to section 25101 [49 USCS § 25101]; and Considerations for non-NEC projects (49 USC 22911(d)(2)(B): the Secretary shall— (B) take into account— (i) the cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including anticipated private and public benefits relative to the costs of the proposed project, including— (I) effects on system and service performance, including as measured by applicable metrics set forth in part 273 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (II) effects on safety, competitiveness, reliability, trip or transit time, greenhouse gas emissions, and resilience; (III) anticipated positive economic and employment impacts, including development in areas near passenger stations, historic districts, or other opportunity zones; (IV) efficiencies from improved connections with other modes; and (V) ability to meet existing or anticipated demand; (ii) the degree to which the proposed project’s business plan considers potential private sector participation in the financing, construction, or operation of the proposed project; (iii) the applicant’s past performance in developing and delivering similar projects, and previous financial contributions; (iv) whether the applicant has, or will have— (I) the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the project; (II) satisfactory continuing access to the equipment or facilities; and (III) the capability and willingness to maintain the equipment or facilities; (v) if applicable, the consistency of the project with planning guidance and documents set forth by the Secretary or otherwise required by law; (vi) whether the proposed project serves historically unconnected or underconnected communities; and (vii) any other relevant factors, as determined by the Secretary III.

Grant Funds, Sources and Use of Project Funds (See Section 4(a)(III) of NOFO.

Provide a project budget listing all Federal and non-Federal funding sources Federal funds should include applicant is applying for, has been awarded, or intends to use Funding sources should be grouped into two categories (1) Requested FSP Program grant; and (2) Non-Federal match for the FSP Program Identify all Explain the planned and committed funding from all non-federal sources for the project Specify whether non-Federal funds are currently available for the project, or if the applicant will need to secure the non-Federal funds upon selection Should submit evidence of funding sources, like board resolution, letter of support from the State, or a budget document highlighting the line item or section committing funds Explain whether the requested Federal funding must be obligated or spent by a certain date due to dependencies or relationships with other Federal or non-Federal funding or other factors TIP : You should demonstrate that you can reasonably expect to complete certain activities and pre-construction so that all grant funds are obligated in advance of any statutory deadline .

You should be able to demonstrate that any unexpected delays will not put USDOT grant funds at risk of expiring before they can be fully obligated. Identify and describe Lifecycle Stage(s) and/or project component(s) that could be candidates for subsequent FSP Program funding Applicants may utilize Table 3 in the NOFO to describe project funding TIPS : Be sure to fully complete Table 3 as this helps the FRA evaluate your application.

You may need to demonstrate that your organization has sound procurement policies and procedures in place, some of which will need to adhere to federal acquisition requirements. The following steps may help you draft a better application: Engage with subject matter experts to provide any technical or nuanced inputs and information (e.g., financial, engineering) to the application.

Attend any financial management training courses provided for new potential applicants. Connect with state and local resources as needed to assist with financial planning, permitting, and other approvals. Identify and reach out to a program’s point of contact with specific questions as they arise.

IV.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria (See Section 4(a)(IV) of NOFO Ensure the applicant is eligible to receive the grant, including: (A) a State (including the District of Columbia); (C) an Interstate Compact; (D) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (E) a political subdivision of a State; (F) Amtrak, acting on its own behalf or under a cooperative agreement with 1 or more States; (H) any combination of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (G).

Explain how the applicant fits into one or more of the eligibilities (and where applicable, provide enabling legislation and citations) If a joint application, must include signed statement from each entity and provide for a lead applicant Applications with Amtrak and one or more states, provide a signed cooperative agreement for the project V.

Project Eligibility Criteria (See Section 4(a)(V) of NOFO) Explain how project meets the eligibility criteria To the extent the project will involve safety improvements to a highway-grade crossing, explain the project elements, including the current crossing and how the project will improve it Include all elements of the project and especially any technological improvements Identify the challenges for the current crossing and how the project will improve them Important to include current railroad operations, highway operations, bus routes, pedestrian and bicycle usage, and road safety concerns VI.

Corridor Identification Program Coordination (if applicable) (See Section 4(a)(VI) of NOFO) Applicants who are Corridor Identification and Development (CID) Sponsors must explain the status of the sponsor’s corridor within the CID Program For applicants who are not CID CID Sponsors, a letter of support from the CID CID Sponsor is encouraged VII.

Detailed Project Description (See Section 4(a)(VII) of NOFO) The applicant must include a detailed project description that expands upon the brief project summary, including, at minimum a project schedule showing completed and expected start and end dates for project activities that corresponds to each Lifecycle Stage; additional background on the transportation challenges the project aims to address; a summary of current and proposed railroad operations in the project area, including service frequency and identification of all railroad owners and operators including types of passenger or freight service; the expected users and beneficiaries of the project; proposed project outcomes and any other information the applicant deems necessary to justify the project Applicants should provide outcomes data consistent with Table 5 in the NOFO (to the maximum extent practicable) TIP : Be sure to fully complete Table 5 is this helps the FRA evaluate your application.

VIII.

Safety Benefit Data (See Section 4(a)(VIII) of NOFO) Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit safety justifications for the project that rely on standardized, objective safety metrics and data FRA Safety Data Dashboard If a grade crossing project, FRA will evaluate a detailed history of each crossing’s incident history for the past five calendar years (2020-2024) Recommended to highlight how the grade crossing project will reduce risk TIP : FRA has a new safety data website , which provides information on accidents, incidents, and grade crossings.

The site has detailed reports on highway-rail grade crossing incidents and a crossing inventory to help identify where safety issues arise today and how your project may address them. FRA also hosted a webinar on reporting safety data for NRRP applicants. You can watch a recording of the webinar on FRA’s Webinar Website.

IX.

Project Location (See Section 4(a)(IX) of NOFO) Applicants must include geospatial data for the project, as well as a map of the project’s location Geospatial data must be expressed in decimal degrees for latitude and longitude with at least five decimal places of precision If it is a length of track or corridor development project, provide the start and end coordinates for each corridor or segment All Congressional districts in which the project will take place should be provided Milepost, railroad, and subdivision identifiers can also be provided and accompanied by corresponding latitudes and longitudes For grade crossing projects utilize Table 6 in the NOFO for grade crossing data (The table will not count against the 25-page limit.)

DOT grade crossing inventory number, US DOT Crossing Numbers Tool Grade crossing location using latitude and longitude coordinates, with at least five decimal places of precision Pathway-rail crossings that do not have without numbers or data, applicants should provide as much locational data as possible.

Describe the proposed improvement requested in the application, using “new, separated, closed or improved” (such as gate additions, lights, etc.) The operator(s) (i.e., the entity(ies) that operates on the railroad right-of-way); The property/infrastructure owner (i.e., the entity(ies) that owns the underlying property or infrastructure within the railroad right-of-way); 5-year incident history that includes any minor or major accidents, fatalities, and other relevant safety events.

TIPS : Be sure to fully complete Table 6 as this helps the FRA evaluate your application. Also, the FRA has a new safety data website , which provides information on accidents, incidents, and grade crossings. The site has detailed reports on highway-rail grade crossing incidents and a crossing inventory to help identify where safety issues arise today and how your project may address them.

X.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria (See Section 4(a)(X) of NOFO) Statutory Project Selection Criteria: In selecting projects, the Secretary will consider different criteria depending upon the project being on or off the NEC (24911(d)(1),(2)): (A) give preference to eligible projects— (i) for which Amtrak is not the sole applicant; (ii) that improve the financial performance, reliability, service frequency, or address the state of good repair of an Amtrak route; and (iii) that are identified in, and consistent with, a corridor inventory prepared under the Corridor Identification and Development Program pursuant to section 25101 ; and (i) the cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including anticipated private and public benefits relative to the costs of the proposed project, including— (I) effects on system and service performance, including as measured by applicable metrics set forth in part 273 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (II) effects on safety, competitiveness, reliability, trip or transit time, greenhouse gas emissions, and resilience; (III) anticipated positive economic and employment impacts, including development in areas near passenger stations, historic districts, or other opportunity zones; (IV) efficiencies from improved connections with other modes; and (V) ability to meet existing or anticipated demand; (ii) the degree to which the proposed project’s business plan considers potential private sector participation in the financing, construction, or operation of the proposed project; (iii) the applicant’s past performance in developing and delivering similar projects, and previous financial contributions; (iv) whether the applicant has, or will have— (I) the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the project; (II) satisfactory continuing access to the equipment or facilities; and (III) the capability and willingness to maintain the equipment or facilities; (v) if applicable, the consistency of the project with planning guidance and documents set forth by the Secretary or otherwise required by law; (vi) whether the proposed project serves historically unconnected or underconnected communities; and (vii) any other relevant factors, as determined by the Secretary Applicants must provide a thorough discussion of how it meets the evaluation and selection criteria Evaluations will be made on project readiness, technical merit, and project outcomes Include quantifiable railroad data, such as information on typical daily, weekly, or annual train movement by operator; ridership data for passenger operations; failure or safety incidents; service delays; and primary expected project outcomes such as increased ridership, increased trains, increased speed, reduced delays, improved rail network asset condition and performance, enhanced safety, or similar outcomes and benefits TIPS: Including a detailed project evaluation and monitoring plan and/or strategy may strengthen your application by helping evaluators determine if you can follow through with the planned activities.

A letter from the host railroad can also help demonstrate support and project readiness. Including a letter from the host railroad to express support for the project and readiness to complete the project will strengthen your application. If you do not know the host railroad for your project, consult FRA’s Rail Network site.

XI. Project Implementation and Management: (See Section 4(a)(IX) of NOFO) Applicants must describe proposed project implementation and project management arrangements. Provide descriptions of the expected arrangements for project contracting (Construction, maintenance, and operation), contract oversight and control, change-order management, risk management , and conformance to Federal requirements for progress reporting .

TIP : Include letters of support from the community, elected officials, and other stakeholders to help demonstrate the need for the project. Project Specific Terms & Conditions A statement of work (SOW), estimated project schedule, project budget, and performance measures for the proposed project (using Articles 4-7 of Attachment 2: Project Specific Terms and Conditions of FRA’s grant template ).

SOW should include detail describing the expected outcomes of the proposed work. SOW should also describe how the applicant will monitor progress toward completing project tasks and deliverables. TIP: Clearly outline processes and procedures for tracking and monitoring project activities throughout the lifecycle.

This may include performance measures, financial plans, or staffing models. DOT benefit cost analysis guidance . May utilize the benefit-cost analysis spreadsheet template .

For Grade Crossing Improvements utilize GradeDec , a highway-rail grade crossing investment analysis tool, to provide grade crossing investment decision support and to assist in providing supplemental information to the benefit-cost analysis.

TIPS: If this is your first time creating a Benefit-Cost Analysis for a grant, or you want to streamline your existing process, DOT offers an optional, plug-and-play BCA spreadsheet , which makes it easier to develop and submit your analysis. FRA hosted a webinar on BCA for NRRP applicants. You can watch a recording of the webinar on FRA’s Webinar Website.

Environmental Compliance Documentation Applicants should explain what Federal (and, if appropriate, State, Tribal, and local) environmental compliance and permitting requirements have been completed. Describe the permits, approvals, and authorizations required for the project, their current status, and the expected timeline for completion. If completed, indicate type of environmental document and date of completion.

If not completed, but underway, detail the type of NEPA review underway, where the project is in the NEPA process, and indicate the anticipated date of completion of all NEPA and other permits.

TIP: You should demonstrate, through your project schedule, application narrative, and supporting documents, that you can reasonably expect to obtain any necessary environmental approvals and permits without delaying the anticipated start of construction of a new infrastructure project.

NOTE: Here are helpful resources on Environmental Reviews and Approvals: FRA webinar on NEPA for NRRP applicants USDOT NEPA Presentation from a National Association of Development Organizations conference FTA Environmental Programs , including Environmental Resource Information FHWA Environmental Review Toolkit Additional guidance on project readiness from the recent RAISE grants Right-of-way acquisition should be coordinated with USDOT and may vary by mode: FTA’s guidance and information on Real Property Acquisition and FHWA’s guidance and information on Real Estate Draft or Finalized Agreement(s) Applicants must provide information about the status of agreements with infrastructure owners, as applicable, including under 49 U.S.C.

22905(c)(1). Corridor ID Documentation For applicants who are not Corridor Sponsors, a letter of support from the Corridor Sponsor is encouraged.