HARRISBURG, Pa. - According to a press release from The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the application period for grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is now open.
Pennsylvania has a total of 65 railroads, the most in the country.
With over 5,600 miles in total track mileage, PA ranks near the top compared to other states.
In the 2023 grant period, the Shapiro Administration awarded $42.5 million for 25 rail freight projects supporting over 300 jobs across the state.
PennDOT provides two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is funded through the Multimodal Fund put in place by Act 89 in 2013.
Both programs provide financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure to preserve essential rail freight service and stimulate economic growth through new or expanded rail freight service.
Eligible organizations can register for either program on the application website from now until 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30.
For more information, visit the official PennDOT website.
Any questions about the application process should be directed to Harrison Warren at hwarren@pa.gov or 717-736-7150 and Steve Panko at stepanko@pa.gov or 717-787-1202.