B&P Tunnel community grants set to open March 23

Amtrak will open B&P Tunnel community grants applications on March 23. Funding will support eligible projects along the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel alignment in Baltimore. As Amtrak said, this phased $50 million investment will coincide with major construction underway.

B&P Tunnel community grants and the replacement program

This funding effort is part of the broader B&P Tunnel Replacement Program. The program is building a new rail alignment and a modern tunnel. It will replace the existing B&P Tunnel, which is now more than 150 years old. The scope is outlined on the program page.

FRA Administrator David Fink said: “Amtrak’s B&P tunnel is a critical component of our ongoing efforts to improve the state of good repair along the Northeast Corridor. As FRA Administrator, I look forward to working with Amtrak to make sure these dollars are spent efficiently and that the project is completed on time.”

Also, Amtrak described the Community Investment Program as part of its effort to mitigate construction impacts in the community while delivering this infrastructure investment. Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa added: “The Community Investment Program is part of Amtrak’s commitment to mitigating construction impacts in the community as we deliver this critical infrastructure investment. 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.”

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Who can apply and which projects qualify?

Once the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is published on the Amtrak Grants Portal on March 23, the application period will open. Eligible not-for-profit organizations may apply. City and state government entities may apply as well. Projects must be within ¼ mile of the Program alignment. Transportation improvement projects may be within ½ mile.

Funding categories

The six qualifying investment categories are:

• Community Development
• Parks and Recreation
• Open Space
• Transportation (Transportation improvement projects may occur within ½ mile of the Program alignment)
• Workforce Development
• Historic Preservation

Meanwhile, organizations interested in applying are encouraged to sign up for B&P Tunnel Replacement Program emails. They can then receive a notification and application link when the NOFO is published. Grants will go to selected projects through a competitive process. The process will be based on merit and eligibility. Applications will undergo review, assessment, and evaluation.

Historic preservation grant fund and Workforce Hub

Historic preservation grant fund

Amtrak will also seek an organization to administer a $2.75 million historic preservation grant fund. The fund will support preservation projects in the Midtown Edmondson and Edmondson Avenue Historic Districts. In addition, the fund will be financed through the CIP. The administrator will be selected through the same merit- and eligibility-based competitive process. Additional details will be shared during the virtual information session listed below.

Workforce Hub

Amtrak will dedicate $5 million to create a Workforce Hub. It is intended to prepare Baltimore residents for job opportunities on the Program and other regional projects. As previously covered by Railway Supply, this is part of the same overall initiative.

At the same time, Amtrak has partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and Maryland Philanthropic Network. The partners will provide training, mentoring, and other services. Participants will be prepared to start construction careers.

Still, further details on eligibility requirements, investment categories, evaluation criteria, program administration, and more are available on the Program website.

Information sessions

Separately, Amtrak will host the following information sessions:

• Community Grants Info Session #1: Monday, March 23, 6-8 PM (Virtual; Register Here)
• Community Grants Info Session #2: Wednesday, March 25, 6-8 PM (Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School; Register Here)
• Community Grants Info Session #3: Saturday, April 11, 10 AM-12PM (Coppin State University; Register Here)
• Historic Preservation Grant Fund Administrator Info Session: Tuesday, March 31, 11 AM-12 PM (Virtual; Register Here)

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