The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that the application period for the grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program is open and will accept applications until Aug. 29.

Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines.

During the 2024 grant period, PennDOT awarded $55 million for 30 rail freight projects, creating or sustaining 344 jobs across Pennsylvania.

PennDOT manages two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is funded through the Multimodal Fund created by Act 89 of 2013.

Eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website.