July 24, 2018 - TRA Commentary -
The Texas Department of Transportation only has until September 17 to file for a federal grant in the latest round of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued their notice of funding opportunity with more than $318 million in grant funding available. It comes out of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018.
Funding requests can be used for capital projects that would improve passenger and freight rail transportation safety, efficiency and reliability, according to an FRA press release.
In a new twist, at least 25 percent of the available funds will be directed toward rural communities. The U.S. Department of Transportation will also give preference to projects with a 50 percent non-federal match from any combination of private, state or local funds.
Thr FRA's key objectives in the CRISI funding round include using innovative approaches for safety and to expedite project delivery.
Does TXDOT have any shovel ready projects that they can apply for part of the $318 million? Will they be able to get in line for the funding by the September 17 deadline? They have missed other federal rail program rounds in the past. Will this be another one?
The Texas Department of Transportation only has until September 17 to file for a federal grant in the latest round of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued their notice of funding opportunity with more than $318 million in grant funding available. It comes out of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018.
Funding requests can be used for capital projects that would improve passenger and freight rail transportation safety, efficiency and reliability, according to an FRA press release.
In a new twist, at least 25 percent of the available funds will be directed toward rural communities. The U.S. Department of Transportation will also give preference to projects with a 50 percent non-federal match from any combination of private, state or local funds.
Thr FRA's key objectives in the CRISI funding round include using innovative approaches for safety and to expedite project delivery.
Does TXDOT have any shovel ready projects that they can apply for part of the $318 million? Will they be able to get in line for the funding by the September 17 deadline? They have missed other federal rail program rounds in the past. Will this be another one?