HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania will make $41 million available for rail freight infrastructure projects beginning Aug. 3 as the Shapiro administration expands investment in a transportation network that supports freight movement and economic development across the Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said applications for the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) will be accepted from 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, through 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.
The grant programs provide funding for projects that maintain, improve or expand freight rail service. PennDOT administers RTAP through state capital budget bonds, while RFAP is financed through the Multimodal Transportation Fund established under Act 89.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll noted that continued investment in freight rail supports businesses that rely on the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“Pennsylvania has a robust rail freight network and the Commonwealth values and invests in this critical transportation mode that businesses rely on,” Carroll said. “Supporting rail freight is another part of the Shapiro Administration’s work to improve the infrastructure connecting our communities and to grow Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, more than any other state, and more than 5,500 miles of freight rail lines. PennDOT works with private rail operators and businesses to develop new rail infrastructure while maintaining and upgrading existing freight corridors.
The Shapiro administration has invested more than $150 million in Pennsylvania’s freight rail network since taking office in 2023.
Eligible organizations may apply through the Commonwealth’s grants portal at https://grants.pa.gov beginning Aug. 3.
Additional information about PennDOT’s freight rail and port programs is available at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/programs-and-doing-business/rail-freight-ports.html.
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