The FY25 Supplemental State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee grant, issued by the Federal Railroad Administration under the Department of Transportation, aims to support the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority in enhancing collaboration between state members of the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration. This grant is intended to facilitate analytical, strategic planning, and administrative support to implement Section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. These services are designed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among stakeholders, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of passenger rail operations.

The grant is exclusively available to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which will be responsible for selecting a contractor to deliver the required support services. The selected contractor will provide analysis, strategy development, and administrative services to assist in advancing SAIPRC objectives. These objectives focus on fostering collaboration, addressing operational challenges, and streamlining communication between state partners, Amtrak, and federal agencies.

The total estimated program funding for this grant is nine million dollars, with a single award anticipated. The award ceiling is set at nine million dollars, and there is no minimum funding floor. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required for eligibility. The application process will remain open until January 9, 2025, with no extensions or late submissions accepted. Interested parties are encouraged to prepare and submit applications promptly to meet the established deadline.

The grant will prioritize projects that facilitate strategic planning, provide robust administrative support, and deliver comprehensive analytical services to SAIPRC members. These activities will help ensure the effective implementation of Section 209, which governs cost allocation and financial responsibility for state-supported Amtrak routes. Additionally, the grant aims to strengthen partnerships, improve transparency, and enhance service outcomes for intercity passenger rail systems.

Applications must be submitted through the appropriate federal grant submission portals, with adherence to all specified guidelines and requirements. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is encouraged to carefully review the application instructions and ensure all necessary documentation is included. Submissions will be evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, feasibility, and clarity of proposed strategies.

For further details or assistance, applicants can contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk by phone at 1-866-577-0771 or 202-401-5282 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Additional information is available through the official grant announcement link provided on the Grants.gov website.