State seeks grant applications for freight rail capital projects

WSDOT has issued a call for proposals to fund freight rail capital projects through its Freight Rail Assistance Program and Freight Rail Investment Bank. Applications must be submitted by September 11, 2020. If your project is selected, funds should be available in July 2021, subject to legislative approval.

Funding availability is not guaranteed. Eligible entities for grants include port districts, cities, county rail districts, counties, economic development councils, and privately or publicly owned railroads. The grants are directed toward larger projects, where it is difficult to gain a contribution and where the rail location of the project is of strategic importance to the state, as well as the local community.

Loans are available only to public agencies and are intended for either smaller projects or as a small part of a larger project, where state funds would enable the project to be completed. An informational packet that includes background information and instructions on submitting applications is available on the WSDOT website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Freight/Rail/GrantandLoanPrograms.htm