Amtrak has submitted applications for nearly $7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations and expand Amtrak service. Among the projects are a number of tunnels in need of repair.

“In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding,” said Amtrak chief executive officer Stephen Gardner. “Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical railroad infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come.”

The requested funding would provide the resources necessary to begin construction on several major backlog projects. Amtrak and its partners have been working to advance these projects through the design and engineering phases to prepare for the start of major construction.

The applications were submitted through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-NEC Program).

Example Northeast Corridor projects include:
• B&P Tunnel Replacement (Frederick Douglass Tunnel) Program
• East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project
• Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project
• Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project
• Springfield Line: Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project
• Bush River Bridge Replacement Program
• Gunpowder River Bridge Replacement Program
• Pelham Bay Bridge Replacement Project
• Infrastructure Renewal and Speed Improvement Program (Washington, DC to New Jersey)
• New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study
• Baltimore Penn Station: Master Plan
• Multiple Phase II Gateway Program Projects: New York Penn Station Expansion, Sawtooth Bridges Replacement, Highline Renewal and State of Good Repair – Dock Bridge

In addition to these NEC grant applications submitted in conjunction with various partners, Amtrak also applied for several grants to improve long distance and state supported routes and provided letters of support for 23 Northeast Corridor projects submitted by others.

“I was proud to secure $24 billion in funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modernize and make improvements on rail lines in the Northeast Corridor,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

“I applaud Amtrak for their foresight in applying for this funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. This funding would modernize and rehabilitate the East River Tunnel project for Long Islanders, fund Metro-North’s Penn Access project, replace the Pelham Bay Bridge, and address numerous projects needed to advance the Gateway program. I strongly support these projects which will keep New Yorkers moving, helping them live, work, and thrive.”

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