B&P Tunnel community grants: Baltimore applications open March 23

B&P Tunnel community grants will begin accepting applications on March 23 for eligible projects along the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel alignment in Baltimore.

The effort is part of a phased $50 million investment that will coincide with major construction already underway, according to Amtrak Media and as reported by Progressive Railroading.

Community Investment Program and the B&P Tunnel replacement program

The Community Investment Program (CIP) sits within the broader B&P Tunnel replacement program. Meanwhile, that work entails a new rail alignment and a modern tunnel to replace the existing B&P structure, which is more than 150 years old. Once the project is finished, the new structure will be called the Frederick Douglass Tunnel.

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“The Community Investment Program is part of Amtrak’s commitment to mitigating construction impacts in the community as we deliver this critical infrastructure investment,” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa in a press release. “We’ve also installed sound barriers, implemented noise and vibration monitoring, and deployed our outreach team to identify and address any issues that may arise. We will work diligently to administer the Community Investment Program effectively and efficiently.”

Applying for B&P Tunnel community grants

Also, Amtrak said the application period will open on its grants portal after it publishes a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). When that happens, qualified not-for-profit organizations and city/state government entities may apply for funding, as the Community Investment Program materials outline.

At the same time, projects must be within one-quarter mile of the program alignment and fall under one of six investment categories: community development; parks and recreation; open space; transportation; and workforce development. Amtrak also set a separate boundary for transportation proposals, noting that transportation projects may be located within a half mile of the program alignment.

Still, interested entities can sign up for B&P Tunnel replacement program emails to receive a notification and a link to apply when the NOFO is published and the grant application process opens. Amtrak said it will award community grants through a competitive process that involves review, assessment and evaluation of applications, with awards based on merit and eligibility.

Historic preservation grant fund and workforce hub

Separately, Amtrak will seek an organization to administer a $2.75 million historic preservation grant fund funded by the CIP. The funding is intended for preservation projects in the Midtown Edmondson and Edmondson Avenue Historic Districts, and Amtrak said it will select the fund administrator through a competitive process based on merit and eligibility.

In addition, Amtrak will dedicate $5 million to create a workforce hub to prepare Baltimore residents for job opportunities on the program and other regional projects. Amtrak said it has partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and Maryland Philanthropic Network to provide training, mentoring, and other services so participants are prepared to start construction careers.

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