Request for Applications - FY 2023 Industrial Rail Access program (IRAP)

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP) is a competitive grant program created by the Massachusetts State Legislature in 2012. IRAP is a public/private partnership program that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants who are prepared to invest in rail improvement projects connected to the Massachusetts freight rail transportation network and focused on increasing or improving rail transportation to Massachusetts shippers. Awards have been made through the program to a mix of freight railroads, shippers, receivers, and municipalities looking to create, reinstate or expand the shipment of goods by freight rail.

IRAP is a competitive grant funding program. MassDOT can make up to $3 million of IRAP funding available to support the execution of IRAP projects in state fiscal year 2023. The number of FY2023 IRAP projects that will be provided financial support depends on factors such as the number and quality of applications received, the strength of the industry/railroad business commitments and the anticipated public benefits and economic outcomes upon project completion. Project implementation readiness and a planned grant spending completion that aligns with the state fiscal year will also be an important consideration in project awards.

MassDOT reserves the right to ask applicants for supplemental information and written clarifications on certain aspects of their applications. IRAP contract awards are contingent upon the continuing validity of the representations made in the application. MassDOT typically will conduct pre-award and post-award site visits to verify conditions associated with the proposed IRAP infrastructure improvements. The pre-award visits and the associated inquiries can also encompass a review of environmental conditions within the project limits and discussion of any potential or unresolved Right of Way (ROW) impacts

MassDOT will also require program grantees to provide documentation supporting the public benefits achieved after project completion compared to the projected public benefits included in the application. The documentation may vary depending upon the type of public benefit, but will be required within 2 years of project completion to remain eligible for future IRAP grants.

Purpose of funds

The purpose of this solicitation is to provide state incentive funding to increase freight rail usage in Massachusetts by improving the connection between shippers/receivers and the freight rail system. Successful IRAP projects will generate public benefits by facilitating economic growth and new job creation, assisting in retaining industry partners and associated jobs, and supporting the efficiency and environmental benefits of freight rail service and mitigating the impacts of roadway congestion.

IRAP was established to address the following overarching economic goals:

1. Increase access to freight rail services and reduce truck traffic.
2. Stimulate economic development, retain, and grow Massachusetts corporations, retain manufacturing jobs, and create new jobs through increased efficiency, production capacity and improved distribution logistics.

Questions concerning the FY2023 IRAP application process and submission requirements should be directed to James Eng, Deputy Rail Administrator at 857-368-8963, or Carlos A. Velasquez, Assistant Project Manager at 617-312-5917.