The FREIGHT Program
Forecasted
The FREIGHT Program supports Virginia freight rail operators and other project partners in improving rail capacity and operations to move more goods, increase carload throughput, and reduce highway maintenance needs.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $8 million in annual program funding; no stated per-project maximum
Summary: Funds projects that increase freight rail capacity and carload throughput in Virginia.
Key Information: Construction projects must be at least 30% designed when applying; design-only applications are exempt.
Description
The Freight Rail Enhancement to Increase Goods and Highway Throughput (FREIGHT) Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). It invests in capacity and functionality improvements to Virginia’s freight rail network to move more goods, reduce highway maintenance needs, and support the Commonwealth’s economy.
Supported work includes mainlines, sidings, crossovers, yards, terminals, storage tracks, signaling, railroad equipment, rolling stock, rights-of-way, and rail facilities. Engineering, design, and environmental work are also eligible. Projects must increase rail carload throughput through physical expansion or improved operational capacity and align with at least one Statewide Rail Plan goal.
