Key Dates: Public Comments on Interim Grant Guidance Due: July 10, 2009
Pre-applications for all funding Tracks Due: July 10, 2009
Applications for funding Track 1, Track 3 and Track 4 Due: August 24, 2009
Applications for funding Track 2 Due: October 2, 2009.

Note:  Public comments on interim guidance will be accepted through July 10, 2009, at Docket Number FRA-2009-0045, at www.regulations.gov. FRA may modify grant deadlines above based on comments received.

Program Information:  President Obama has called for a collaborative effort among the Federal Government, States, railroads, and other key stakeholders to help transform America's transportation system through a national network of high-speed rail corridors.  The Department of Transportation/FRA has issued interim guidance for competitive grants that build on this "Vision for High-Speed Rail " by detailing the application requirements and procedures for obtaining funding for high-speed rail projects under the Recovery Act and the Department of Transportation Appropriations Acts of 2008 and 2009.

Grant Information:   FRA has adopted a four Track approach to aid in near-term economic recovery efforts and to establish the path to realize a fully-developed national High-Speed Rail/ Intercity Passenger Rail network. The guidance includes details of two Recovery Act-funded grant opportunities, and two related grants funded through regular appropriations:

• Track 1 -- Intercity Passenger Rail Projects (Recovery Act-funded): This track is aimed at addressing the economic recovery goals of the Recovery Act through construction of "ready-to-go" projects that should be completed within two years of award. Eligible projects include infrastructure, facilities, and equipment, and must have independent utility.  The Federal funding share can be up to 100 percent, although evaluation criteria favor projects that leverage federal funding with non-federal investments.
• Track 2 -- High-Speed Rail/ Intercity Passenger Rail Service Development Programs (Recovery Act-funded): This track is aimed at developing new High-Speed Rail corridor and Intercity Passenger Rail services, or substantial upgrades to existing corridor services.  It is intended to fund development of a set of inter-related projects that constitute the entirety or a distinct phase (or geographic section) of a long-range service development plan - projects which collectively produce benefits greater than the sum of each individual project.  (See full interim guidance for details on Track 2 eligibility requirements.) 
• Track 3 -- Service Planning Activities (funded by FY 2009 and FY 2008 DOT Appropriations): This track is aimed at helping establish a pipeline of future High-Speed Rail/ Intercity Passenger Rail projects and service development programs by advancing planning activities for applicants at an earlier stage of the development process. Under Track 3, FRA will enter into cooperative agreements for preparation of SDPs, State Rail Plans and service-level environmental documents. This Track provides States an opportunity to complete the prerequisite work needed to submit applications under Tracks 1 and 2, so that applicants may be ready for potential future solicitations. Planning activities funded under this Track require a 50 percent non- Federal match.
• Track 4 -- FY2009 Appropriations-Funded Projects:  Track 4 provides an alternative for projects that would otherwise fit under Track 1, but for State applicants offering at least a 50 percent non-Federal share of financing. This Track offers applicants simplified grant agreement terms, and up to five years to complete projects (vs. two years under Track 1). Applicants providing at least a 50-percent project match are strongly encouraged to submit project applications under Track 4.  Those submitting project application(s) under Track 4 may also request concurrent consideration of such application(s) under Track 1.

For More Information:  View the full Funding Opportunity Announcement and Pre-application Form for program and application information.