Rail Funding Brief

Federal and state funding news for the people who actually run the railroad.

Issue No. 7

September 7, 2026

Accountability watch

Bridgeport's Barnum Station: $10M TIGER grant rescinded after costs hit $300M

A new Metro-North station was budgeted at $48 million in 2014. By the time Connecticut deferred the project, the price tag had grown to $300 million — and the federal government had already taken its grant back.

Awards announced

Illinois DOT won $19.2 million in FY2022 CRISI funding to untangle Dolton Junction for CSX and Amtrak

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $19,206,398 to the Illinois Department of Transportation in FY2022 CRISI funding to reconfigure the Dolton Junction interlocking in cooperation with CSX. The project adds new track and renews existing track, reprofiles track, and installs new turnouts — meant to increase freight capacity and operating windows while reducing freight-caused delays and track conflicts for intercity Amtrak service through the junction.

Awards announced

Southern California Regional Rail Authority won $18.4 million in FY2021 CRISI funding for Burbank corridor safety

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $18,380,848 to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority in FY2021 CRISI funding for speed and safety improvements on the Burbank-to-Los Angeles corridor shared by Amtrak, Metrolink, and Union Pacific. The project upgrades train control systems in the congested segment, enhances safety and throughput at two Metrolink stations and crossings, and replaces aging track and structures.

Recent awards

  • Alaska Railroad Corp / Matanuska-Susitna Borough — $184,000,000, AK-LEG-CAPEX FY2026
  • Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway — $5,900,000, PA-RFAP FY2026
  • Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway — $4,845,392, NC-FRRCSI FY2026
  • Conrail — $4,837,315.5, NJ-RFAP FY2026
  • Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad — $4,000,000, PA-RFAP FY2026
See every confirmed award →

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