FAQ
Are there design/construction requirements for new rail facilities receiving funding?
New facilities must be designed and constructed to meet the approval of the connecting mainline railroad operator. The applicant must provide continuous maintenance in accordance with American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) standards for the lifetime of the project.
What happens if the recipient fails to meet the minimum carload performance requirements of the grant agreement?
In the event a recipient has missed its target minimum carload requirement, the RIA repayment policy provides a proportionate credit for the partial public benefit achieved by RIA grantees. Repayment schedules shall be as specified in the grant agreement between the Department and the recipient. Any interest is applied according to the terms of the grant agreement.
What reporting requirements exist for the recipient once the grant is awarded?
The DRPT Program Manager sends a request for railcar data annually on a fiscal year schedule to the recipient to verify its carload usage.
How long does the recipient have to make the necessary improvements?
The recipient has two years from the CTB date of project approval to complete the project.
How long does the recipient have to meet carload performance requirements?
After project acceptance by the Department and payment of the invoice, the recipient has a three-year performance period to reach minimum carload projections committed to on their application.
Does the recipient take ownership of the materials of the project upon completion?
For each project using state funds, DRPT retains its right of contingent interest in the materials of the project for a 15‐year contingent interest period according to the terms of the executed agreement.