Railroad Crossing Elimination

The goals of the Program are (1) to eliminate highway-rail grade crossings that are frequently blocked by trains; (2) to improve the health and safety of communities; (3) to reduce the impacts that freight movement and railroad operations may have on

The Secretary may award a grant under the Program for a highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement project (including acquiring real property interests) involving (1) grade separation or closure, including through the use of a bridge, embankment, tunnel, or combination thereof; (2) track relocation; (3) the improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other measures to improve safety, provided that such activities are related to a separation or relocation project described in paragraph (1) or (2); (4) other means to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods at highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions); (5) a group of related projects described in paragraphs (1) through (4) that would collectively improve the mobility of people and goods; or (6) the planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project described in paragraphs (1) through (5).

The following entities are eligible to receive a grant: (1) A State, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other United States territories and possessions; (2) A political subdivision of a State; (3) A federally recognized Indian Tribe; (4) A unit of local government or a group of local governments; (5) A public port authority; (6) A metropolitan planning organization; (7) A group of entities described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6).

SF424 (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's Additional Assurances and Certifications; and SF LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. Other documents may be required as pre-requisites to funding based on program type; documentation demonstrating applicant eligibility (for applicants other than States); National Environmental Policy Act documentation for construction projects and service development programs; program-specific Assurances and Certifications; planning and engineering documentation. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

The Secretary may award a grant under the Program for a highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement project (including acquiring real property interests) involving (1) grade separation or closure, including through the use of a bridge, embankment, tunnel, or combination thereof; (2) track relocation; (3) the improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other measures to improve safety, provided that such activities are related to a separation or relocation project described in paragraph (1) or (2); (4) other means to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods at highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions); (5) a group of related projects described in paragraphs (1) through (4) that would collectively improve the mobility of people and goods; or (6) the planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project described in paragraphs (1) through (5).

No restriction on period of time the assistance normally is available. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Assistance is awarded upon request for reimbursement Funding is obligated through cooperative agreements or grants, 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.

In awarding grants under the Program, the Secretary shall evaluate the extent to which proposed projects would (A) improve safety at highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossings; (B) grade separate, eliminate, or close highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossings; (C) improve the mobility of people and goods; (D) reduce emissions, protect the environment, and provide community benefits, including noise reduction; (E) improve access to emergency services; (F) provide economic benefits; and (G) improve access to communities separated by rail crossings.

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.