The FY25 Northeast Corridor Cooperative Agreement, issued by the Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is a discretionary grant opportunity designed to provide funding to Amtrak. Under this program, Amtrak is eligible to receive up to $261,332,575, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The funding is designated for capital and debt service expenditures related to the Northeast Corridor and other national network activities. The award ceiling and floor are both defined at $261,332,575 and $0, respectively, and only Amtrak is eligible to apply.

The purpose of the funding is to support Amtrak's ongoing activities and infrastructure improvements in the Northeast Corridor and other network areas, including train services and state-supported routes. The grant aims to ensure operational continuity and financial performance improvements, address capital needs, and foster safety enhancements within Amtrak’s operations. The funds are allocated under the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025, and are available for use until January 31, 2028, or until fully expended.

Eligible expenses include operating and capital costs for Northeast Corridor activities and broader national network projects, along with specific capital projects with cost estimates and timelines. Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including descriptions of projected costs, capital project details, efforts to enhance safety culture, and various standard federal assurances and certifications.

To apply, Amtrak must submit an SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, Statements of Work, descriptions of financial and operational metrics, and other federal forms such as SF-424B and SF-424D. Signed copies of the FRA Assurances and Certification forms are also required. The application submission is entirely electronic.

Applications for this grant must be submitted by January 24, 2025. This timeline provides a brief window for Amtrak to gather and present the required documentation. The grant was officially posted on January 21, 2025, and any additional clarifications or assistance can be obtained through the GrantSolutions Help Desk.

The evaluation of applications will consider the completeness and accuracy of the required submissions, including operational and financial documentation, alignment with the grant's objectives, and adherence to federal standards for safety and project implementation. Further information can be found through the official grant posting on the Federal Railroad Administration's website.