Rail Preservation Fund (RPF)
Forecasted
Rail Preservation Fund (RPF) supports Virginia shortline railroads through track, bridge, crossing, and facility projects that keep freight infrastructure safe, reliable, and available for service.
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; state contribution up to 70% of project costs
Summary: Preserves Virginia shortline rail infrastructure through track, bridge, safety, construction, acquisition, and facility projects.
Key Information: Projects must support state of good repair on a Class III Virginia railroad and include a 30% match.
Description
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) administers the Rail Preservation Fund to benefit the nine shortline railroads operating in Virginia. The program aims to retain and improve the shortline network and its support facilities for rail freight service, keeping infrastructure safe, reliable, and available to existing and new customers.
Supported work includes rail transportation construction; track and bridge improvements to Class 2 Track Safety Standards; bridge upgrades supporting 286,000-pound loads; crossing signals and surfaces; property acquisitions; and new track facilities. Projects may also improve operational efficiency or protect critical infrastructure whose failure could interrupt service.
