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FRA-Led Regional Rail Planning
Call for Statements of Interest and Qualifications
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) invites groups of states to submit Statements of Interest and Qualifications for participating in an FRA-led regional rail planning process. Many recent Federal and state passenger rail planning activities have focused on either (1) individual corridors between major cities or (2) comprehensive rail planning in individual states. Developing rail plans in the context of a broader regional framework, however, can yield more cost-effective investments that are responsive to the economically interdependent market needs of communities across a region. A more coordinated, multi-state approach to planning, construction, and operations of regional rail networks is needed to establish regional priorities and to optimize service and operations. Planning regionally facilitates the integration of rail projects with other transportation modes; promotes greater involvement by stakeholders; and identifies priorities for limited Federal funding. FRA is seeking to advance practices for regional rail planning and to further the development of regional plans.
Statements of Interest and Qualifications submitted by groups of states will assist FRA in determining which region(s) to potentially study. Because each region of the country has unique needs and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to regional rail planning, FRA reserves the right to study regions that do not respond to this request. For clarification, this Call for Statements of Interest and Qualifications is not a grant or funding opportunity, rather it is an invitation to submit a statement of interest for FRA-led studies, which will be carried out in partnership with stakeholders. FRA is utilizing authority provided under the FY14 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Public Law 113-76) to lead this multi-state planning process.
- Call for Statements of Interest and Qualifications for Federally-Led Regional Rail Planning Projects
Submission Instructions
Groups of states interested in providing Statements of Interest and Qualifications should identify a lead entity, which must submit the Statement and supporting documentation by email to OfficeofRPD@dot.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, November 12, 2014. Include “Regional Planning Statement” in the subject line. For questions, contact Kyle Gradinger, Office of Railroad Policy and Development, via phone (202-493-6191) or e-mail (kyle.gradinger@dot.gov).