Municipalities looking to enhance safety and mobility at rail crossings, be advised! The 2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program NOFO is now available, offering significant funding opportunities to improve rail-connected communities.
We've been compiling best practices for RCE grant applications - from some of the folks who wrote the requirements and review applications - and will be sharing tips in the coming days and weeks through our LinkedIn page and through our mailing list.
The Railroad Crossing Elimination grant program is highly competitive, so if you're going to apply, it's worth doing it right.
Background: The RCE Program funds projects aimed at enhancing safety and mobility at highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossings.
This includes:
Grade separation (bridges, embankments, tunnels), track relocation, installation or improvement of protective devices, signals, and signs, as well as planning, environmental studies, and final design for eligible projects.
Who Can Apply:
States, including D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories
Political subdivisions of a state
Federally recognized Indian Tribes
Local governments or groups of local governments
Public port authorities
Metropolitan planning organizations
Groups of the above entities
Funding Details:
Up to $1,148,809,580 available from FY 2023 and FY 2024 appropriations.
Special set-asides for planning projects, rural or tribal lands, and safety information and education programs.
Application Requirements:
Deadline: Submit by 11:59 p.m. EST, September 23, 2024
Documents Needed: Project Narrative, Statement of Work, Environmental Compliance Documentation, Federal Assistance Forms, Cost-sharing/matching information, Detailed Budget
Key Focus Areas:
Enhancing safety at rail crossings
Supporting labor rights and addressing climate change
Promoting energy efficiency and climate resilience
Addressing environmental justice and reducing inequities
Systematic data collection and performance evaluation
Follow us on LinkedIn or get on our email list for tips and updates as they become available! Not on our email list? Let's fix that! Email connect@railtowns.org to get on today.