Rail Industrial Access (RIA)
Rail Industrial Access (RIA) supports new and expanding Virginia businesses by funding freight rail connections and track improvements to aid economic development and shift freight away from trucks.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 per project; 30% applicant match required
Summary: Funds rail infrastructure connecting new or expanding Virginia businesses to freight rail to divert freight from trucks.
Key Information: Grantees must report rail carloads for three years and maintain improvements during DRPT’s 15-year ownership-interest period.
Description
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) administers Rail Industrial Access to help new or substantially expanded business, commercial, and industrial projects connect to the freight railroad network. The program aims to support Virginia economic development and shift freight movement away from trucks.
Funding can support engineering; site preparation, including grading and drainage; track construction, rehabilitation, and improvement; environmental mitigation; and mainline railroad switches. Projects may establish a new rail connection or improve an existing one. Funded tracks and related facilities must be directly associated with revenue carloads.
