Amtrak and its Midwest collaborators have secured over $101 million in federal grants for the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP). The funds will enhance existing routes and support Amtrak’s expansion plans. Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia emphasizes the collaboration to maximize Chicago’s role as the central hub, driving improved mobility and economic growth. Multiple grants, announced under USDOT’s Federal State Partnership (“Fed-State”) and Corridor Identification and Development (“Corridor ID”) programs, will directly benefit Amtrak and its partners.

The new issue of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is announcing the full availability of $5 million to fund a rail research and development Centre of Excellence which has probably been possible by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.