Local Rail Freight Assistance

The Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration operates the Local Rail Freight Assistance program (CFDA 20.308), which last awarded a grant in September 2001—over 25 years ago, with no documented grant awards or open opportunities in the intervening period.

The portfolio reflects a single Formula Grant of $5.3 million in federal dollars obligated (combined total of $6.2 million including non-federal cost-share) to support a next-generation high-speed rail program and associated infrastructure project. The award, issued in September 2001, carried a completion deadline of September 2006.

The program appears dormant. No recent grant awards have been disbursed, no grant opportunities have been posted recently, and the funding history provided covers only one award dating to the early 2000s. The absence of activity over the past quarter-century suggests the program is not actively issuing new solicitations or accepting applications. Organizations interested in rail freight or rail infrastructure should verify current program status directly with the Federal Railroad Administration before investing business development resources, as the Assistance Listing may no longer represent an active funding mechanism.