This program provides support for improving the safety of rail infrastructure, specifically the acquisition, improvement or rehabilitation of intermodal or rail equipment or facilities, including track, bridges, tunnels, rail yards, buildings, passenger stations, and maintenance and repair shops. Projects must be focused on safety improvements. Eligible project categories include: track and related projects, rolling stock equipment projects, and railroad intermodal facilities projects.

Eligible applicants are: states, local governments, and passenger and freight railroad carriers. Only states and political subdivisions of states, such as cities, counties, boroughs, and townships, are eligible applicants for projects to construct infrastructure necessary to establish quiet son under 49 CFR, part 222, unless applicant can meet the criteria detailed in the NOFA.

For projects that span multiple jurisdictions, additional considerations will be given to applicants that have organized multi jurisdictional partnerships with joint planning and prioritization of investments.