State rail grant and loan programs

Call for applications coming summer 2024

For the 2025-2027 biennium, a total of $7 million in funding will be available for Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) grants and a total of $6 million  will be available for Freight Rail Investment Bank (FRIB) loans. However, the programmed amount identified is subject to change and funding allotments will be re-evaluated during the 2025 legislative session. Therefore, funding availability is not guaranteed.

A call for applications will be issued in summer 2024. Please review the criteria listed below to determine if your projects qualifies. If a project is selected, funds will be available after July of 2025, if approved by the Legislature in the 2025 session. 

The below Application Packet is from the previous call for applications and should only be used as a guide in developing your project. A new Application Packet will be posted when the 2025-27 application period is announced. .

SAMPLE APPLICATION PACKAGE (PDF 430KB)

Freight Rail Investment Bank

The FRIB is a loan program available to the public sector. This program is intended for either smaller projects or as a small part of a larger project, where state funds would enable the project to be completed.

• This loan program is open to organizations in the public sector only, as loans to the private sector are outside the constitution of the state.
• All applicants must provide a minimum 20% match.
• Generally, a 1% interest rate is charged to cover administrative costs.

Freight Rail Assistance Program

The FRAP is a grant program open to applicants in both the public and private sector. This program is directed toward larger projects where it is difficult to gain a contribution and where the rail location or the project is of strategic importance to the local community and the state.

• The amount sought in individual applications is not restricted, but it is based on available funding.
• The Legislature determines how those funds will be spent based upon the applications submitted through WSDOT. The Legislature may choose to increase or decrease the actual funding made available.
• This grant program is open to cities, county rail districts, counties, economic development councils, port districts, and privately or publicly owned railroads.
• Projects must be shown to maintain or improve the freight rail system in the state and benefit the state's interests.

Administration and scoring

The grant and loan programs are administered by WSDOT and require the applicants to provide a business plan for the project as well as a benefit/cost calculation to ensure they are generating public benefits. See the Application Packet for more details on scoring criteria.

Representatives from the Washington State Department of Commerce and other state agencies and organizations will participate with WSDOT in evaluating projects.

For questions regarding the application process -- or to request the application packet in an alternate format -- please contact the Freight Rail Coordinator.