The state Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for $25 million in Rail Freight Assistance Program grants to fund projects that improve New Jersey’s existing freight system and expand freight service for businesses.
Grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with an emphasis on projects that are significant to port commerce connectivity; eliminate rail freight missing links to New Jersey’s port facilities; upgrade freight rail trackage to a 286,000-pound load carrying capacity; and support a safe, efficient, and effective rail freight system.
Owners, and/or operators of short line railroads in New Jersey that have an existing use and maintenance arrangement with the owner, may apply for FY27 grants through Oct. 9.
The program, administered by NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid, provides grants for up to 90% of the estimated cost of each project while the sponsor is responsible for the remainder.
Application proposals will be accepted through SAGE, the State’s on-line System for Administering Grants Electronically. All applicants must have an Eligibility Assessment Form approved through the SAGE system prior to submitting an application. An applicant can submit two applications per fiscal year.
Over the last five years, NJDOT has invested more than $139.32 million in New Jersey’s freight rail services using Transportation Trust Fund monies, leveraging an additional $17.04 million from railroad owners and operators, for a total investment of nearly $156.4 million.
For further information about the Rail Freight Assistance Program or other NJDOT Division of Local Aid programs, go to njdotlocalhub.nj.gov.
