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4/23/2026
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) this week released its draft six-year improvement program (SYIP) for fiscal-years 2027 to 2032. Public comments will be accepted on the plan until June 1.
The SYIP calls for $19 million in state funding for rail and public transit projects in FY27 alone. The multiyear projects encompass $239 million in investments from private, state, local and federal sources over the six-year period, according to the DRPT.
The department allocated $6.8 million in state funding for freight-rail projects in FY27 and $9.6 million for FY28 to FY32. The projects include improvements to rail lines, equipment and rolling stock, rights of way and facilities. In FY27, DRPT has allocated $1.2 million to support rail planning efforts, including participation in federal programs such as Corridor ID and Railroad Crossing Elimination. For FY28 to FY32, DRPT allocated $8.6 million.
Remaining freight-rail funding in the SYIP supports the state's short-line preservation fund, a grant program that targets state-of-good-repair and capacity improvements on small railroads. DRPT allocated $11.7 million for FY27, and $24.5 million for FY28 to FY32.
The SYIP also includes over $815 million in state funding for public transportation services, including the state's allocations to the Virginia Railway Express, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and highway corridor programs.