Rail Preservation Fund (RPF)

The Rail Preservation Fund (RPF) is administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia dedicated to enhancing a competitive multimodal transportation network across the state. The agency's mission includes increasing transportation choices, improving economic growth, enhancing network resilience, and providing greater access for all transportation users. The RPF specifically supports Virginia's shortline railroads, aiming to ensure these railroads remain safe, reliable, and efficient contributors to the state’s transportation infrastructure. The RPF targets projects that enhance the condition of Virginia's nine shortline railroads. Funding under this program is structured to provide a maximum 70 percent contribution from the state, with at least a 30 percent match from local sources, which can be in cash or in-kind contributions. The fund focuses on improving shortline track and rail bridges to meet Class 2 Track Safety Standards as outlined in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Title 49 Part 213 regulations, raising bridge load limits to a minimum of 286,000 pounds, implementing safety improvements such as upgraded crossing signalization and surfaces, and supporting property acquisitions and new track facilities. Routine maintenance, operating expenses, or track construction with rail smaller than 100 pounds are not eligible for funding. Eligibility for the RPF is open to shortline railroads operating in Virginia, local governments, authorities and agencies, Transportation District Commissions, and non-public sector entities. The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal through DRPT’s WebGrants portal, where applications are reviewed for eligibility and scored using objective criteria. The grant application period runs annually from December 1 through February 1 for the following fiscal year. Recommended projects are submitted to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) for approval in advance of the adoption of the Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) each June. Applications are evaluated on factors including the state of good repair of assets, track and bridge safety, safety improvements, capacity improvements, project readiness, and project benefits such as enhanced economic impact or improved reliability. Applicants are required to demonstrate a 30 percent matching contribution and submit detailed project scopes, schedules, and budgets. Approved projects require the execution of a Grant Agreement and a Notice to Proceed before construction work can begin. Applicants are expected to manage their projects and will receive reimbursements for eligible expenses after submitting claims through WebGrants, accompanied by required documentation. Project progress must be reported with each claim, and DRPT conducts oversight through site visits and performance reporting. Upon project completion, recipients must maintain the funded infrastructure in active service and report annual rail carload activity. DRPT retains an ownership interest in the project improvements for 15 years, ensuring long-term public benefit. For further information, applicants can contact DRPT at [email protected]. All application materials, including scoring sheets and tutorials for WebGrants use, are available on DRPT’s website. The program timeline also includes a period for applicants to request clarifications and submit additional information as needed during the review phase.