Amtrak to seek applicants for new B&P Tunnel community grants

Amtrak on March 23 will begin accepting grant applications for eligible projects along the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel alignment in Baltimore as part of a $50 million phased investment that will coincide with major construction underway.

The Community Investment Program (CIP) is a key component of the overall B&P Tunnel replacement program, which entails construction of a new rail alignment and modern tunnel to replace the more than 150-year-old existing B&P structure. When completed, the new structure will be called the Frederick Douglass Tunnel. 

“The Community Investment Program is part of Amtrak’s commitment to mitigating construction impacts in the community as we deliver this critical infrastructure investment," said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa in a press release. "We’ve also installed sound barriers, implemented noise and vibration monitoring, and deployed our outreach team to identify and address any issues that may arise. We will work diligently to administer the Community Investment Program effectively and efficiently.”

When the application period opens on the Amtrak grants portal following the publication of a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), qualified not-for-profit organizations or city/state government entities may apply for funding to support projects located within one-quarter mile of the program alignment and qualifying under one of six investment categories: community development; parks and recreation; open space; transportation; and workforce development. Transportation projects may occur within a half mile of the program alignment.

Interested entities can sign up for B&P Tunnel replacement program emails to receive a notification and link to apply when the NOFO is published and the grant application process opens. Amtrak will award community grants to select projects based on merit and eligibility via a competitive process that involves review, assessment and evaluation of applications. 

Additionally, Amtrak will be seeking an organization to administer a $2.75 million historic preservation grant fund for preservation projects in the Midtown Edmondson and Edmondson Avenue Historic Districts, funded by the CIP. Amtrak will select the fund administrator based on merit and eligibility via a competitive process.

Moreover, Amtrak will dedicate $5 million to create a workforce hub to prepare Baltimore residents for job opportunities on the program and other regional projects. Amtrak has partnered with the Mayor's Office of Employment Development and Maryland Philanthropic Network to provide training, mentoring, and other services so participants are prepared to start construction careers.