The Shapiro Administration has invested over $150 million in the Commonwealth’s rail freight network since taking office in 2023.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that the application period for grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) will open on August 3. The programs boost and support economic development by maintaining or expanding rail freight service.
“Pennsylvania has a robust rail freight network and the Commonwealth values and invests in this critical transportation mode that businesses rely on,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Supporting rail freight is another part of the Shapiro Administration’s work to improve the infrastructure connecting our communities and to grow Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state in the nation. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s more than 5,500 miles of freight lines. The Shapiro Administration has invested over $150 million in the Commonwealth’s rail freight network since taking office in 2023.
PennDOT manages two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is underwritten through the Multimodal Fund, created by Act 89. For eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website beginning 8:00 AM on Monday, August 3, 2026, and ending at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026.
For more information on PennDOT rail grant programs, visit the department’s Rail Freight and Ports page.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Campbell, 717-783-8800 or alecampbel@pa.gov
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