04/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 12:34
$50 million will be invested across major six categories along the Program corridor as part of the Community Investment Program (CIP) identified during the environmental review process
BALTIMORE - Amtrak has published a new guide and webpage detailing the process for plans to invest $50 million in the West Baltimore community throughout construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (FDT Program). This important community investment was identified as a key component of the overall FDT Program by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) during its approval of the Program, which will build a brand-new rail alignment and modern tunnel to replace the existing 151-year-old B&P Tunnel.
Amtrak President Roger Harris:
FRA Administrator Amit Bose:
What it means: Amtrak will award grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations or city/state government entities, as well as make direct investments in the community. These grants and direct investments will support projects located within ¼ mile of the Program alignment*, across six investment categories:
CIP background: When FRA approved the FDT Program's Preferred Alternative in 2017, it issued a Record of Decision (ROD) outlining mitigation measures that must be implemented during the Program's design and construction. These ROD requirements included the CIP.
How it's paid for: The CIP is part of the overall FDT Program, which is funded by a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as contributions from Amtrak and the State of Maryland.
The big picture: The FDT Program will deliver enduring transportation improvements for the Northeast Corridor (NEC), create economic opportunity, improve connectivity and upgrade local infrastructure in West Baltimore.
What's next: This CIP Guide will be refined and updated over time as this unprecedented community investment program evolves. Amtrak is working with FRA to develop a formal community grant application and award process, as well as to finalize other CIP requirements necessary for effective community investments.
Learn more: Visit the new CIP web page or read the full CIP Guide for a deeper dive into the various community investment eligibility requirements, investment categories, CIP administration, evaluations criteria and more.
*Transportation improvement projects may occur within ½ mile of the Program alignment.