Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution of Support Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Apply for a Project Planning and Development Grant for Relocating the existing rail siding between Virginia Street and Broad Street to an area north of US 380 (East University Drive) and Accept Funding, if Awarded
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2A: Balance available resources to accommodate the growth and maintenance needs of the city)
MEETING DATE: June 16, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, PE, PTOE, Director of Engineering
Aniswarie Kanamazina, PE, Project Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution provides City Council support and approval of a Resolution to apply for a Project Planning and Development Grant for Relocating the existing rail siding between Virginia Street and Broad Street to and area north of US 380 (East University Drive) and accept funding, if awarded, from the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”).
• A siding is a second track for business loading and/or unloading or for trains to pass each other.
• The proposed planning effort supports freight rail modernization, multimodal mobility, industrial economic development, and long-term freight-community compatibility while preserving freight rail service continuity. The project will include existing conditions analysis, railroad operations coordination, conceptual engineering, environmental screening, alternative analysis, and implementation planning activities. The project aligns with FRA CRISI goals related to freight rail safety, efficiency, reliability, congestion mitigation, and multimodal transportation connectivity.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• A Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) has been solicited by the FRA for project applications to be funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The opportunity described in this notice is made available under Assistance Listings Number 20.337, “Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements.” Total funding available for awards under this NOFO is up to $2,039,246,480.
• The purpose of the CRISI program is to assist in funding eligible projects for the purpose of investing in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger rail and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; and enhance multi-modal connections.
• The city’s application is to request funding needed to complete the first two project phases as outlined in the NOFO’s project lifecycle stages, which are project planning and project development. The project planning phase will include identifying the purpose and need, consideration of alternatives, finalizing the conceptual engineering design, and stakeholder engagement. The project development phase will include the environmental review process, completing the design plans, finalizing construction cost estimate and schedule, outlining the procurement strategy and coordinating stakeholder agreements.
• The deadline for submitting applications under the FY2025-2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program is June 22, 2026.
• Below is a link to the program for more details.
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program | FRA (dot.gov) <https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/fy-2025-2026-nofo-crisi>
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• This grant application submittal request is for $1,250,000 to cover the estimated cost for the completion of the project planning and design development phases for relocating the existing rail siding between Virginia Street and Broad Street to an area north of US 380 (East University Drive)., which includes a commitment of 70% through federal funding for $875,000 and a 30% local match of $375,000, if awarded.
• If the city is successful in being awarded this grant, a separate item will be brought to City Council for review and approval to modify the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and the 2026-2030 Capital Improvements Program (“CIP”) to appropriate $375,000 for the required local match funds as a new CIP project.
• If awarded, a grant agreement will also be required to be executed at a later date formalizing award for the project.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A