The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected 50 projects in 29 states to receive $320.6 million in competitive grant funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
The projects selected include a wide variety of railroad investments that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and intercity passenger service.
“This $320.6 million federal investment will upgrade U.S. rail infrastructure and enhance rail safety in communities across America,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The following projects were selected in Florida:
Florida – Rail Crossing Improvements and Dynamic Envelope Markings (Multiple Opportunity Zones)
Up to $2,309,531
Florida Department of Transportation
This project will fund the design and constructs dynamic envelope pavement markings, “Do Not Stop on Tracks” signs, and repaving at approximately 13 grade crossings in rural parts of St. Lucie and Palm Beach Counties, Florida, on crossings owned by CSX and South Central Florida Express, a subsidiary of US Sugar. The project aims to reduce the likelihood of drivers stopping on or too close to railroad tracks, and to increase the lifespan of the crossing.
Florida – Boca Raton Passenger Rail Station
Up to $16,350,000
City of Boca Raton, Florida
This funding will help constructs a new passenger rail station and parking garage in Boca Raton, Florida. This project will add a station into Brightline’s existing train corridor, including track improvement work and construction of a parking garage, which will provide an intermodal connection between vehicles and rail.
Florida – CFRC/SunRail Phase 2 South Capacity Improvements
Up to $5,653,819
Florida Department of Transportation
This funding will help constructs the last 1.7-mile segment of second track on the 61.3 mile state-owned Central Florida Rail Corridor (CFRC) between Control Point (CP) NE Kissimmee (MP 806.2) near Donegan Avenue and CP Middle Kissimmee (MP 807.9) near Neptune Road in Kissimmee, FL. Five existing grade crossings will be updated, including modifications to the existing wayside signal and crossing warning systems, as well as Positive Train Control. The single-track segment creates a railroad chokepoint and leads to train meet delays.
“We remain committed to helping address pressing transportation capital needs, particularly in rural areas,” said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory. “I am pleased that so many high-quality applications were submitted for worthwhile investments by the FRA,” Batory added.
Of the 50 projects that were awarded grants, 32 are located in Opportunity Zones, which were created to revitalize economically distressed communities using private investments. Since 2017, this Administration has awarded over $1.2 billion through the CRISI program to improve rail infrastructure.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soliciting applications for this round of CRISI Program grant funding was published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2020. FRA subsequently provided web-based training and technical assistance for eligible applicants.
A list of projects selected for FY 2020 CRISI funding can be viewed here.
