CRISI Program Approves $2 Billion for 2025-2026 US Rail

WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States administration has allocated over $2 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to improve national rail transport. The funding, managed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, will be awarded competitively for projects enhancing safety, efficiency, and infrastructure. Project submissions are open until June 22, 2026.

How Is the Funding Structured?

The funding is structured as a competitive grant program administered by the FRA, targeting a broad range of rail capital projects and safety initiatives. Eligible projects include infrastructure modernization, congestion reduction, safety program development, improvements to level crossings, and multimodal connections. The program also supports research, vocational training, and regional planning, with new criteria prioritizing workforce development and job quality. The exact funding total beyond “over two billion dollars” and the specific allocation between passenger and freight initiatives were not disclosed.

Key Funding Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Funding Programs?

This allocation of over $2 billion for a two-year period continues the significant federal investment seen through the CRISI program since 2017. The program has invested nearly $6 billion between 2017 and 2024, averaging approximately $750 million per year. The new funding represents an increase in the annual rate to over $1 billion per year, signaling an acceleration of federal support for rail modernization. Comparable data for other specific, large-scale national rail grant programs with application deadlines in 2024-2025 was not publicly available at the time of publication.

Editor’s Analysis

This investment directly addresses a key market trend: the conversion of freight from road to rail, driven by persistently high trucking and fuel costs. By funding projects that reduce congestion and improve freight efficiency, the USDOT is lowering the barrier for shippers to adopt rail, which major carriers like CSX see as an increasing value proposition. This federal support aims to strengthen rail’s competitive advantage and enhance the resilience of U.S. supply chains by making freight transport more dependable and cost-effective. (Source: WWD Sourcing Journal, Inbound Logistics).

FAQ

Q: What is the CRISI program?
A: The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program is a federal grant initiative administered by the FRA. It funds a wide range of projects to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of both passenger and freight rail networks across the United States.

Q: What is the exact budget for this funding round?
A: The announcement specifies “over two billion dollars” for the 2025–2026 fiscal year budget. A more precise total figure has not been disclosed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Q: How does this funding impact freight logistics?
A: The program aims to reduce rail congestion and improve efficiency, which makes rail a more attractive alternative to trucking. As trucking costs rise, these federally-funded improvements can lower overall logistics costs for shippers and improve the reliability of freight transport, benefiting consumers through a cleaner and more dependable market. (Source: Inbound Logistics).