- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- Rail and Transit Division
Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP). The program accepts applications from freight rail-supported businesses across the state and supports projects that expand or improve rail or freight access, economic opportunity, safety and job growth.
“The continued expansion and improvement of our state’s freight rail network support economic growth as well as our mission to reduce truck traffic in our communities,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We look forward to seeing the proposed projects for this next round of IRAP funding—projects that will ultimately improve the quality of life all across Massachusetts.”
IRAP is a competitive state-funded public/private partnership program that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants to invest in rail infrastructure that increases access and usage of the freight rail network. Applicants must match the proposed grant with private financial support equal to at least 40 percent of a project’s total cost. Applicants may match more than the required minimum.
All applications are due by close of business on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Projects are evaluated for grant support based upon consistency with program requirements and the level of public benefits they offer such as rail system preservation, mobility, economic development, and safety.
In the most recent round of IRAP awards, over $1.5 million was awarded to three projects throughout the Commonwealth. These three projects are expected to reduce the need for truck traffic by eliminating thousands of individual regional truck trips, while providing businesses with improved access to rail and freight infrastructure.
For more information and to apply to the IRAP program, please visit the IRAP website.
