Restoration and Enhancement

This program provides operating assistance grants for initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. This may include establishing a new service, restoring previously operated service, or enhancements to current service,

This program funds operating assistance grants for initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity passenger rail transportation.

Interstate, State (includes District of Columbia), Local, Profit organization, State (1) a State, including the District of Columbia; (2) a group of States; (3) an Interstate Compact; (4) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (5) a political subdivision of a State; (6) Amtrak or another rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation; (7) Any rail carrier in partnership with at least 1 of the entities described in (1) through (5); and (8) any combination of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).

Interstate, State (includes District of Columbia), Local, Profit organization, State (1) a State, including the District of Columbia; (2) a group of States; (3) an Interstate Compact; (4) a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by 1 or more States; (5) a political subdivision of a State; (6) Amtrak or another rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation; (7) Any rail carrier in partnership with at least 1 of the entities described in (1) through (5); and (8) any combination of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).

Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation.

Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. Operating assistance for the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity rail passenger transportation. The Secretary shall require a grant recipient to enter into a grant agreement that requires such recipient to provide similar information regarding the route performance, financial, and ridership projections, and capital and business plans that Amtrak is required to provide, and such other data and information as the Secretary considers necessary. 96% discretionary funds in FYs 2017 through 2022. Restrictions: ~3% of funds allocated to Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Wyoming based on those states' rail route miles as a percentage of the nation's total rail route miles; 1% takedown.

Not more than 6 of the operating assistance grants awarded may be simultaneously active. Federal operating assistance grants authorized for any individual intercity rail passenger transportation route may not provide funding for more than 6 years and may not be renewed. Funding is obligated through cooperative agreements or grants, and outlays occur as reimbursement. Funding will only be obligated and disbursed as milestones are achieved. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Funding is obligated through cooperative agreements, and outlays occur as reimbursement. Funding will only be obligated and disbursed as milestones are achieved.

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Applications proceed through a three-part application review process, as follows: • Screening applications for completeness and eligibility; Evaluating the technical merit and benefits of eligible applications; and Selecting projects for funding In awarding grants, priority to applications will be- (1) for which planning, design, any environmental reviews, negotiation of agreements, acquisition of equipment, construction, and other actions necessary for initiation of service have been completed or nearly completed; (2) that would restore service over routes formerly operated by Amtrak, including routes described in section 11304 of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015; (3) that would provide daily or daytime service over routes where such service did not previously exist; (4) that include funding (including funding from railroads), or other significant participation by State, local, and regional governmental and private entities; (5) that include a funding plan that dem

Applications selected for funding will be announced in a press release and on FRA's website after the application review period. FRA will contact applicants with successful applications after announcement with information and instructions about the award process. This notification is not an authorization to begin proposed project activities. A formal grant agreement or cooperative agreement signed by both the grantee and the FRA, including an approved scope, schedule, and budget, is required before the award is considered complete.

FRA is committed to responding to applicants in a reasonable and timely manner. Response times will vary based on size, scope, complexity and volume of applications.