CRISI & Other Federal Programs

Our Ask:

• Fully fund the CRISI program at the $1 billion authorized discretionary appropriations level annually.

• Ensure a level playing field in the competitive process.

Short lines provide a critical connection between the U.S. and the global economy for multiple industries - particularly in small town and rural America. The short line industry's 600 small business railroads operate 50,000 miles of track, much of which was abandoned after decades of neglect by prior owners. As the first- and last- mile provider to more than 10,000 shippers nationwide, short line railroads must keep pace with technology and upgrade outdated rail to ensure the continued seamless movement of goods and freight throughout the U.S. freight rail system.

The CRISI program is vital for maintaining this infrastructure. Short line railroads can apply directly (rather than with or through other government entities) for grants that provide transformative improvements to the freight network and enhance the supply chain.

Recognizing the Need, Congress Took Action
 

• 2015 — Congress recognizes the massive upgrades necessary for short line freight rail and creates CRISI, making Class II and Class Ill short line railroads directly eligible recipients of competitive funds from USDOT.
   
• 2017 — USDOT awards the first set of CRISI grants, providing short lines with network-transformational resources to upgrade ties, siding, ballast, and track so that industry-standard 286,000-lb railcars can move safely and efficiently.
   
• 2021 — Congress passes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), recognizing the many unfunded, critical upgrades that continue to face the national rail network. The IIJA provides advance appropriations of $1 billion per year for five years, and authorizes an additional $1 billion per year. Eligibility for upgrading locomotives to achieve significant reductions in emissions is also added.
   
• 2022 — USDOT awards the final round of grants prior to the IIJA implementation’s new levels. Of the $368 million awarded, 24 of 46 grant projects totaling $150 million benefit short lines. These projects will make freight rail transportation safer and more affordable than ever in the areas they serve while providing the most environmentally friendly surface transportation mode available.
   
• 2023 — In September, $1.44 billion is awarded in the first round of CRISI grants post-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, representing $1B that was appropriated in advance plus additional funds from the FY 2022 appropriations process. A record $720 million in funding was awarded to 47 short line railroad projects across 36 states, representing 2/3 of the total awards, and more than 50 percent of the monies awarded. The short line projects selected for this round of CRISI grant funding include transformational improvements to short line rail infrastructure that will address the number one cause of short line derailments (worn-out track and ties), rehabilitate and upgrade the capacity of older bridges, improve safety and prevent trespassing at grade crossings, deploy rail safety technology, and reduce emissions from locomotives.
   
• 2024 — FY 2023 and FY 2024 CRISI Appropriations were combined in a single notice of funding opportunity, offering $2,478,391,050 in funding. This round of funding was the most successful ever for the short line industry garnering $1.29B across 81 awards, representing 52% of funds available and 66% of projects awarded. Short lines will put these public dollars to good use, providing new and efficient ways of serving customers, linking small town and rural America to U.S. and international markets, improving and expanding infrastructure that will drive safety improvements, and investing in next-generation technology and locomotives that will reduce the already low environmental impact of rail.
   
• 2025 — FY 2025 CRISI funding is currently under discussion as part of the Appropriations process. On a bi-partisan basis, support for CRISI has been positive, with 130 U.S. Representatives and 31 Senators signing letters of support for full authorization of CRISI Funding.

Learn More about Applying for CRISI Grants

Examples of CRISI Funded Projects on Short Line Railroads

1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  

  Previous   Next