Amtrak Applies for $7.3 Billion in Federal Grants for Northeast Corridor Projects
Amtrak announced it has submitted applications for nearly $7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for as many as 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations and expand its service.
The funding would supply the necessary resources to start construction on several major backlog projects, including the B&P Tunnel Replacement (Frederick Douglass Tunnel) Program, the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project, the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project, and the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project, among others.
“In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said in a statement. “Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical railroad infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come.”
The move could be a big one for several states, including New York.
“I was proud to secure $24 billion in funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modernize and make improvements on rail lines in the Northeast Corridor,” added Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “I applaud Amtrak for their foresight in applying for this funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.”
“This funding would modernize and rehabilitate the East River Tunnel project for Long Islanders, fund Metro-North’s Penn Access project, replace the Pelham Bay Bridge and address numerous projects needed to advance the Gateway program. I strongly support these projects which will keep New Yorkers moving, helping them live, work, and thrive.”
The applications were submitted through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-NEC Program). Additionally, Amtrak has applied for several grants to improve Long Distance and State Supported routes and wrote letters of support for 23 Northeast Corridor projects submitted by others.