DOT Announces $5M for Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Grant Program
Eligible applicants: * Applications are due: July 03, 2023
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is not yet accepting applications)
Opportunity: FY22-23 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Grant Program
Overview and Eligible Uses: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorized the establishment of a rail research and development center of excellence (CoE) to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation.
The CoE will fund eligible entities conducting research activities related to various aspects of rail transportation, including safety, project delivery, efficiency, reliability, resiliency, and sustainability. The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications to establish and maintain a CoE and fund research and development projects.
The CoE Program will prioritize projects that align with environmental objectives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, incorporating climate resilience measures, minimizing lifecycle emissions, and avoiding adverse environmental impacts. It will also support projects that address transportation disparities, promote equal access to project benefits, and uplift underserved communities in alignment with efforts to advance racial equity.
Additionally, the CoE Program aims to generate high-quality jobs with options for union participation and uphold strong labor standards. This includes implementing training programs and registered apprenticeships during the planning stages of projects.
Amount: Over a span of three years, the Federal Railroad Administration plans to allocate $2.5 million annually to the CoE, contingent upon funding availability. The initial funding amounts to $5 million, with $2.5 million designated for fiscal year 2022 and another $2.5 million for fiscal year 2023. An additional $2.5 million may be provided in fiscal year 2024, subject to funding availability.
There are no predetermined maximum dollar thresholds for individual projects funded through the CoE.
Award Type: Cooperative Agreement
Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are those with strong past performance related to rail research, education, and workforce development activities; whose proposal would involve public and private sector passenger and freight railroad operators in establishing and maintaining the CoE; and would have regional and national impacts that align with DOT Strategic Goals.
Key Dates: Applications are due July 03, 2023
Key Links:
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.
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