Amtrak Secures $155.6M Federal Grant for National Network Expansion in FY24

In a significant boost to the United States’ railway infrastructure, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has allocated a substantial grant of $155,620,288 to Amtrak under the FY24 National Network Cooperative Agreement, as per the Funding Opportunity Number FR-AMT-24-002. This discretionary grant, announced on November 8, 2023, is part of a strategic move to enhance Amtrak’s Operating, Capital, and Debt Service needs across its National Network, including state-supported and long-distance routes. The grant, which remains available until December 31, 2025, or until fully utilized, has set a fast-approaching application deadline of November 16, 2023, with Amtrak being the exclusive qualified applicant.

As mandated by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, the grant aims to underpin Amtrak’s commitment to improving the nation’s railway systems for the fiscal year ahead. To access these federal funds, Amtrak is required to submit an electronic application detailing their projected operational and capital expenses and to provide a comparison with the previous fiscal year’s financial performance. Additionally, they must outline the capital projects that will be funded, complete with cost estimates and timelines, and provide an assessment of the corporation’s financial health. This grant signifies a pivotal investment in the U.S. transportation sector, promising to advance the efficiency and reach of Amtrak’s rail services, thereby fostering greater connectivity across the country.