Warner, Kaine Announce Robust Federal Funding for Virginia’s Passenger Rail

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced robust federal funding for projects that will support safer, more reliable, and more accessible passenger rail service in Virginia, including over $17 million for improvements in Staunton and Chesterfield County and investments in new Amtrak trains serving routes across the Commonwealth. “Reliable passenger rail plays a critical role in connecting Virginians to their jobs, families, and communities, while also giving travelers more options to get where they need to go,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver major investments to Virginia, improving our transportation infrastructure, boosting our Commonwealth’s economy, and creating good-paying jobs. This funding will help modernize the Amtrak services that folks rely on, improve accessibility in Staunton, and lay the groundwork for safer rail crossings in Chesterfield County.” The funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program . The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , a transformative investment in American infrastructure needs that the senators helped negotiate and pass. The grant awards include: $2,050,000,000 for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)’s Fleet and Facilities to Secure the Future of Amtrak State Supported Intercity Passenger Rail Service Project . The funding will support the purchase of up to 43 new trainsets and make associated improvements, including for routes serving Virginia. The new trains will replace aging equipment and expand Amtrak’s fleet, allowing for additional state-supported service. The investment will support numerous services operating in Virginia, including the Carolinian and routes connecting Washington, D.C., with Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke. The project will improve reliability, accommodate growing passenger demand, and support additional service. Additionally, the new trains will be manufactured in the United States and will boost local economies and good-paying jobs with support from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states. $15,566,400 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Staunton Station State of Good Repair and ADA Improvements project , which will make the Staunton Station safer and more accessible. The funding will support upgrades to the platform, canopy, and accessible routes, including handrails and curb ramps. $2,316,479 for Chesterfield County’s Curtis Street and West Street Crossing Improvements Project . The funding will support work toward a future grade separation and the permanent closure of two at-grade rail crossings. By eliminating two points where roads and rail lines intersect at the same level, the project will enhance safety and reliability for both passenger and freight rail service. Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, many of the grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . In July, the senators announced more than $76 million to expand passenger rail, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen infrastructure , more than $32 million to upgrade eight Virginia airports , and nearly $6 million to modernize nine Virginia airports . ### * High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here * Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner