Rail Freight Program
CSFA Number: 494-80-1109
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Department Of Transportation (494)
Agency Identification
Partial GATA Exempt. Only LPA's Exempt.
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
The Rail Freight Program provides both grants and loans for capital assistance to communities, railroads and shippers to preserve and improve rail freight service in Illinois. The primary role of the program is to facilitate investments in rail service by serving as a link between interested parties and channeling government funds to projects that increase or preserve jobs and achieve economic development within the State of Illinois.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
20 ILCS 2705/2705-415 and 2705-435
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
Title 92 Part 800
Objective
Preserve and grow rail service to businesses and industries in Illinois to promote economic development and job retention/growth.
Eligible Applicants
Other; Government Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
Railroads, units of Local Government, Rail Users and Owners or Lessees of Railroad Right-of-Way
Beneficiary Eligibility
N/A
Types of Assistance
Direct Loans
Subject / Service Area
Public Safety
Credentials / Documentation
Prior to or during application process proposed project must receive approval of servicing railroad, Historic Review, Environmental Review, 30 day Public Comment period, detailed review of project design plans and specifications, demonstrated Benefit/Cost Ratio > 1.0
Preapplication Coordination
See Credentials/Documentation
Application Procedures
Grant Applications per requirements included in NOFO, for Loan Applications submit a written request to IDOT Bureau of Freight Rail Management. Request should include: Name and business address of Applicant, Project Location, Contact information for applicant's principal contact for project, description of proposed project, drawing or sketch of proposed improvement, estimate of total cost, amount of financial assistance being requested, proposed project schedule and benefits expected from the project (job creation/retention, transportation savings).
Criteria Selecting Proposals
Benefit/Cost Ratio > 1.0, Program Funding available in amount required, ALL required Documentation approved
Award Procedures
See Criteria Selecting Proposals
Deadlines
Loan Applications at any time. Grant Applications per requirements of NOFO
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
6-9 Months
Uses and Restrictions
Capital improvements related to the construction, expansion, restoration of railroad track and/or facilities
Reports
GATA and GFRA Quarterly reports in addition to monthly construction progress reports and/or other reports as required by the Grant/Loan Agreement
Records
Funding recipient is required to keep all grant records for 3 years (or as otherwise indicated in Grant/Loan Agreement) after final payment/project acceptance date
Account Identification
265-49481-4900-0018
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance amount based on scope of project, financial needs of recipient and benefits provided by project
Program Accomplishments
Program has provided assistance to railroads, communities and industries for rail line upgrades, rail bridge replacements and repairs, new industry rail spurs, loop track facilities and other rail related facility improvements.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
N/A
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL
Program Website
https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/local-transportation-partners/county-engineers-and-local-public-agencies/funding-opportunities/rail-freight-loan-program
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2015 : $14,000,000
FY 2016 : $6,200,000
FY 2022 : $4,800,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Agency ID | Award Range | Application Range |
ACTIVE AWARDS