Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP)
Forecasted
Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) supports public- and private-sector freight rail capital projects to improve Washington’s rail system, freight mobility, safety, and economic development.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2028 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $7.04 million identified for 2027–2029 grants; no set individual request limit, subject to available funding
Summary: FRAP supports public- and private-sector freight rail capital projects that maintain or improve Washington’s rail system and benefit the state.
Key Information: Applicants must provide at least 20% matching contributions and deliver a fully functional capital project.
Description
The Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP), administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), provides grants for freight rail capital projects across Washington. It targets larger projects where securing contributions is difficult and where the rail location or proposed work is strategically important to both the local community and the state. FRAP is separate from the Freight Rail Investment Bank (FRIB) loan program.
Supported work includes track rehabilitation, corridor preservation, capacity improvements, signals, structures, railroad machinery, and rail facilities. Projects must maintain or improve Washington’s freight rail system and demonstrate public benefits, such as improved freight mobility, economic development, port access, safety, or environmental protection. WSDOT reviews and prioritizes applications, but the Legislature determines which projects receive funding through the transportation budget.
