CALIFORNIA — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on September 22 announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the National Railroad Partnership Program.
The initiative directs more than $5 billion to improve safety and reliability in intercity passenger rail.
About $2.4 billion of that total was pulled from California’s high-speed rail project and will be redirected to other upgrades, including grade crossing safety and capacity improvements.
“Instead of wasting dollars on Governor Newsom’s high-speed rail boondoggle, these targeted investments will improve the lives of rail passengers, local drivers, and pedestrians,” Duffy said.
Grade crossing accidents cause 200 deaths annually
FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley said the funds will enhance grade crossing safety and strengthen passenger rail capacity and reliability.
Highway-rail grade crossings account for more than 2,000 incidents and 200 fatalities each year, making them the second-leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S.
The NOFO shifts priorities from the previous program, emphasizing safety over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), according to the department.
It also calls for station improvements such as expanded waiting areas, restrooms, and mothers’ rooms.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Amtrak, and tribal authorities, with submissions due January 7, 2026.
Funding cut seen as political
The Trump administration said the cut was due to cost overruns, missed deadlines, and a lack of progress.
Governor Gavin Newsom has argued the move is politically motivated.
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