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8/5/2025
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has opened the application period for grants allocated under the state’s Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). Applications are due Aug. 29.
The RTAP is a capital budget grant program funded with bonds and the RFAP is a grant program funded through a multimodal fund created in 2013. Both programs provide financial assistance for investments in freight-rail infrastructure designed to preserve essential rail service or stimulate economic growth through new or expanded rail service.
Last year, PennDOT awarded $55 million in grants through the programs for 30 freight-rail projects that created or sustained 344 jobs in Pennsylvania, state officials said in a press release.
"Pennsylvania's rail freight network keeps goods moving and supports the economy, making it a critical piece of our transportation infrastructure," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
There are 65 freight railroads operating in Pennsylvania — the most in any state, according to PennDOT. They operate about 5,600 miles of track in total.
More information about freight railroads in the state and PennDOT’s two grant programs is available here.