This week, Amtrak announced it submitted applications for nearly $7.3 billion in federal funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor (NEC) projects.

The passenger railroad company says the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-NEC Program) grant funding would be used for projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations and expand service—adding that the requested funding would provide the necessary resources to begin construction on several major backlog projects.

To this area’s interest, the projects would include some tied to the Gateway Program.

In addition to these NEC grant applications, Amtrak also applied for several grants to improve Long Distance and State Supported routes as well as providing letters of support for 23 NEC projects submitted by others.

“In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical railroad infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come.”

Showing support

“Amtrak’s request for Intercity Rail Grant Program funding is an opportunity to increase passenger capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve rail service across the Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-10th District. “As Chairman of the House Rail Subcommittee in the last Congress, I fought to include funds in President [Joseph] Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the Gateway Program, build another Hudson River Tunnel between New Jersey and New York, and build the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore. This request by Amtrak is another step in that direction.”

“The infrastructure investment commitment by the Biden Administration along with Amtrak’s mission to insure safe and efficient travel will mean we’ll continue to benefit from these investments for generations to come,” said U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th District.

“Representing a district that hosts critical elements of the Gateway Program, I strongly support the Biden Administration and Amtrak’s plans to modernize and improve the Northeast Corridor rail line,” said U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th District. “Our residents deserve access to modern, safe, and reliable infrastructure.”

“NJ Transit supports Amtrak’s pursuit of this federal funding, which reflects a shared commitment to advancing passenger rail along the Northeast Corridor, the busiest and most vital stretch of infrastructure in our nation,” said Kevin Corbett, New Jersey Transit president and CEO, and Northeast Corridor Commission co-chair. “Among many other benefits, these investments would lead to significantly improved commuter and intercity rail service and enhance our region’s economic competitiveness, while reducing air pollution and carbon emissions.”