A number of loan programs provide financial assistance for freight rail. FRA administers the Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Financing Program (RRIF) that offers various direct loans and loan guarantees. The Federal Highway Administration also administers the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program (TIFIA) which is available for some rail related projects.

In the Department of Transportation’s annual appropriation for FYs ’02,’03, and ‘04 Congress included, in Section 330, funding for specific highway, transit and rail projects. The funds are available until expended and typically are transferred to state Departments of Transportation through federal grants. FRA manages all rail related projects. Appropriated funding is also available for research and development projects related to both passenger and freight rail.

LOANS

Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF)

Transportation Innovation & Finance (TIFIA)

GRANTS  

Electronic Grant Application Process

Rail Line Relocation (RLR)

Section 330

Local Rail Freight Assistance (LRFA)

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT