The RCE program funds projects that improve rail infrastructure to enhance safety, improve the health of communities, eliminate grade crossings frequently blocked by trains, and/or mitigate impacts of railroad operations on underserved communities. The CRISI program funds projects that improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at chokepoints; enhance multimodal connections; and improve Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors. Both programs provide funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects, promoting safety and mobility for people and goods. Communities can use grant funding for track relocation; improve or install protective devices, signals, or signs; improve safety; and conduct environmental audits of eligible projects. Download the grant summary.
Bootcamp Structure
Courses
Peer Learning Sessions (Webinars): Interactive sessions featuring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the policy and grant approach, followed by smaller sessions for peer discussions
Coaching Sessions: Smaller sessions that continue to build on specific application questions identified in the peer learning session
Office Hours (Consultant Meetings): Support in the form of designated time slots with our SMEs and your team to address specific questions about your grant application
Support
Navigator Team: Our Navigator team is available to help answer the following kinds of questions:
- Bootcamp timelines
- Bootcamp schedules
- Participation expectations
Our Navigator for this grant is Broderick Smith. He can be reached at SmithB@nlc.org.
Prepare for Success
Download the full outline of the bootcamp schedule, goals, and key steps to ensure you are ready to attend the following courses and successfully prepare and submit your grant application.
Modules and Recordings
Module 1
Orientation and Grant Overview
Cities will be oriented to the funding program.
Additional Resources
Module 2
Federal Administration Priorities
Cities will also be able to incorporate climate, equity, and training andworkforce development into their grant applications and demonstrate that they are willing to raise their ambitions inthese priority areas.
Module 3
Incorporating Data
Cities will access and utilize a data platform providing local statistics on issues ranging from health and housing to local economy and environmental issues, as well as other focused variables relevant to their grant application. This module also includes training on conducting equity analysis and developing a strong, data-driven narrative to complement grant applications.
Additional Resources
Module 4
Engaging the Community
Cities will be able to draft Community Engagement and Advocacy Strategies and understand the audience for advocacy and project strategies.
Module 5
Demystifying Capital Sources, Budget, and Service Contracts
Cities focus on the fundamentals of capital sources, budget, and service contracts and develop a draft project budget with matching sources and potential new sources of funding.
Module 6
Telling Your Story
Cities learn the best practices to produce a compelling grant narrative and package their full grant application.
Module 7
Post Submission Long-Term Capacity Building
Once the applications have been submitted, cities develop plans to successfully administer the grant including how best to (re)organize local institutional processes.
Additional Resources for All Modules
Contacts from the Federal Rail Administration (FRA)
We want to share some contacts from FRA with our bootcamp participants. Make sure to touch base with FRA to help with your rail grant questions:
Jenny Zeng
Jamie Renert – Director of the Office of Regional Outreach and Project Delivery