Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

You have 2 new alerts

Assistance Listings
National Railroad Passenger Corporation Grants

warning alert

Note: This Assistance Listing was not updated by the issuing agency in 2025. Please contact the issuing agency listed under "Contact Information" for more information.

Assistance Listing
Popular Name
(Amtrak Grants)
Assistance Listing Number
20.315

Overview

Objectives

To provide financial assistance to support the operation of and capital investment in intercity passenger rail service in the United States.

Examples of Funded Projects

Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, FRA continues to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants.

Fiscal Year 2025: In FY 2025, FRA continues to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants.

Assistance Listing Description

FRA executes and oversees grant agreements with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to provide Amtrak with federal funds appropriated by Congress. In conjunction with operating revenues and funds from states, local governments, and other entities, Amtrak uses federal funds for a wide range of its operating and capital activities, including a portion of its operating expenses, capital maintenance of fleet and infrastructure, capital expansion and investment programs, and capital debt repayment.

Authorizations

Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act & Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, Public Law 114-223 & 254

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016 & Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Public Law 114-53 & 113

Continuing Appropriation Resolution, 2015 & Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-164 & 235

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017; Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018; Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018; Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018; Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018; and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. Public Law 114-56,90,96,120,123,141

Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes making appropriations for fiscal year 2019; Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act,2019; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019. Public Law 115-245,298; 116-5;

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94; Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. L. 116-136.

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act making appropriations for FY 2021 through December 11, 2020, Pub. L. 116-159, October 1, 2020; Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act making appropriations for FY 2021 through December 18, 2020, Pub. L. 116-215, December 11, 2020; Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 making appropriations for FY 2021 through December 28, 2020, Pub. L. 116-246, December 22, 2020; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. 116-260, December 27, 2020; American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L.117-2, March 11, 2021;

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, Pub L. 117-43, September 30, 2021; Further Extending Government Funding Act, Pub L. 117-70, December 3, 2021; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Pub L 117-103, March 15, 2022; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub L 117-58, November 15, 2021

Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, Pub. L. 117-180, September 30, 2022; Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023, Pub. L. 117-229, December 16, 2022; Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023, Pub. L. 117-264, December 23, 2022; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Pub. L. 117-328, December 29, 2022.

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extension Act, Pub. L. 118-15, September 30, 2023; Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, Pub. L. 118-22, November 17, 2023; Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act 2024, Pub. L. 118-35, January 19, 2024; Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, Pub. L. 118-40, March 1, 2024; Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024, Pub. L. 118-42, March 9, 2024.

Financial Information

These funding amounts do not reflect the award amounts that are displayed on USASpending.gov
Obligation(s)FY 23FY 24 (est.)FY 25 (est.)
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements) Total$6,802,643,199$6,726,308,186$6,866,000,000
Awards under this program ranged from $1,684,000 to $3,143,000,000 in FY 2023/2024 with an average of $614,952,336.$6,802,643,199$6,726,308,186$6,866,000,000
Totals$6,802,643,199$6,726,308,186$6,866,000,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Awards under this program ranged from $1,684,000 to $3,143,000,000 in FY 2023/2024 with an average of $614,952,336.

Accomplishments

Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, Amtrak defined and identified capital investment and annualized maintenance programs for its National Network and Northeast Corridor accounts. The programs combined consists of approximately 500 projects for implementation along the National Network and Northeast Corridor. For example, the recipient’s maintenance and capital improvement program includes but is not limited to Bridges, Culverts, and Tunnels, Track Replacement, Railway Infrastructure Equipment, Locomotive Program, Mechanical Facility Improvements, ADA and Debt Service. The aim of the recipient’s ADA Stations Program is to ensure all train stations and passenger facilities comply with Federal ADA guidelines, regulations and statutory requirements.

Fiscal Year 2025: In FY 2025, FRA intends to continue to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants, dependent upon appropriations.

Account Identification

69-1774-0-1-401

69-1775-0-1-401

Criteria for Applying

Types of Assistance

B - Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements)

Credentials and Documentation

See Application Procedures 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Applicant Eligibility

Designations

Profit organization

As directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).

Beneficiary Eligibility

Designations

Sponsored organization, Other public institution/organization

As directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Length and time phasing of assistance is dependent on the specific appropriating and/or authorizing law governing the grant opportunity. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: The award is determined by legislation.

Use of Assistance

Designations

Transportation

As specified in individual Grant Opportunity announcements, assistance may be used to fund operating expenses, capital investment activities, and/or payment of debt service obligations.As directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Applying for Assistance

Deadlines

Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Environmental clearance is required for the capital portion of this program.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.

Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov (opens in new window) (opens in new window).

Section 11202 of FAST Act, 49 U.S.C 24319 applies to this program. The applicant must submit the following information: A description of projected operating and capital cost for the upcoming fiscal year activities in comparison to prior fiscal year actual financial performance; A description of the capital projects to be funded, with cost estimates and an estimated timetable for completion of the projects covered by the request; An assessment of Amtrak’s financial condition; A description of the status of efforts to improve safety and security on the Northeast Corridor main line, including a description of any efforts to implement recommendations of relevant railroad safety advisory committees; Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; US Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Assurances and Certification forms (https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L05284); Certification Regarding Debarment, suspension, and other Responsibility Matters - Primary Covered Transactions; Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Certification Regarding Lobbying; Assurances - Non-Construction Programs, SF 424B or Assurances – Construction, SF424D (whichever is specified in the announcement); Certificate of Indirect Costs; Detailed project descriptions, statement of work, and budgets.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals for projects must support the stated strategic goals of the applicant organization, align with the priorities identified in authorization or appropriation statutes, and of the Secretary of Transportation, and be accompanied by detailed scope and budget documentation. Quantitative or qualitative justification of project prioritization must be provided.

Award Procedure

Review the application package to ensure that all required documents have been submitted and are complete and signed by the appropriate person. Review the statement of work (SOW) and budget to ensure the appropriation language requirements are met. Review SOW for technical issues and budget for appropriate costs, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related laws and orders. After the application package is acceptable to both parties, a grant agreement is drafted, reviewed, and signed upon agreement by both parties.

Date Range for Approval/Disapproval

Timing of Approval/Disapproval typically ranges from between 2-6 weeks.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Appeals

Not Applicable.

Compliance Requirements

Policy Requirements

The following 2CFR policy requirements apply to this assistance listing:

Subpart B, General provisions

Subpart C, Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards

Subpart D, Post Federal; Award Requirements

Subpart E, Cost Principles

Subpart F, Audit Requirements

The following 2CFR policy requirements are excluded from coverage under this assistance listing:

Not Applicable

Additional Information:

Reports

Program Reports: The grantee submits the following reports: Monthly/Quarterly progress reports giving an account of significant progress (findings, events, trends, etc.) made during the reporting period, and a description of any technical and/or cost problems encountered or anticipated that will affect completion of the grant. The grantee submits additional program reports monthly/quarterly and annually to comply with mandatory regulatory and statutory requirements or other related laws and orders. A comprehensive list of the grantee’s reporting requirements can be found in the annual grant agreements.

Cash Reports: SF-270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement

Progress Reports: Monthly/Quarterly progress reports.

Expenditure Reports: Amtrak submits Monthly Expenditures Reports and Quarterly Federal Financial Reports; using the Standard Form 425.

Performance Reports: Monthly detailed reports regarding performance against project budgets and schedules, and forecasts of future performance. Final reports provide details of the results and benefits of the grantee's operational improvement efforts and annual capital investment and maintenance programs. Additional monitoring efforts include scheduled monitoring of corporate and specific program/project activities as well as Quarterly Meetings to discuss progress and results on the grantee’s capital and maintenance investment programs and IT and marketing projects.

Audits

Refer to the link below for 2 CFR Subpart F Audit Requirements.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F

Additional audit requirements:

No additional audit requirements.

Records

During the course of its activities under a grant agreement and for three years thereafter, the applicant must agree to retain intact and to provide any data, documents, reports, records, contracts, and supporting materials relating to its performance under the agreement as FRA may require. Reporting and record-keeping requirements are set forth in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 for private non-profit and for-profit Grantees. Closeout does not alter these requirements.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Not Applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
This program has MOE requirements, see funding agency for further details. Additional Information:

Contact Information

Regional or Local Locations:

None. Not applicable

Headquarters Office:

Mariam Ouhamou
Acting Chief, Grant & Loan Program Development Division, Office of Rail Program Development 1200 New Jersey Ave SE,
Washington, DC 20590
mariam.ouhamou@dot.gov
(202) 493-6437
Website: https://railroads.dot.gov

History