How BUILD America 250 Act impacts passenger rail, Amtrak

H.R. 8870, introduced by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) as the BUILD America 250 Act, is the bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization legislation that’s set to replace the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) when that expires on Sept. 30, 2026.  

The bill authorizes approximately $580 billion from fiscal year (FY) 2027 through FY31, including funding for several passenger rail programs and policy updates for Amtrak.  

In his opening statement during the committee’s markup session, T&I Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) said the biggest plus to the bill is the funding it will provide, noting that the $87.5 billion in funds for transit nearly matches the $91 billion that the IIJA provided—including $64 billion in rail funding.  

“It improves rail service by allowing states to use a portion of their highway dollars for equipment, stations and state-supported routes,” Larsen said. “It advances rail safety by accelerating the phase out of dangerous tank cars and mandating railroad participation in the confidential close-call reporting system, among other provisions.” 

Below is an outline of what’s included in the bill after it was advanced out of the House T&I Committee.  

Rail specific programs and policies 

Grants to Amtrak (Section 10101) 

This section authorizes annual funding for Amtrak from FY27 through FY31, authorizing grant programs for both the Northeast Corridor and the National Network. The section sets aside funding for the Northeast Corridor Commission and the State-Supported Route Committee.  

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (Section 10102) 

This section authorizes annual funding for the FRA’s safety operations and research programs, including funding to support the Transportation Technology Center, the Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence and safety culture grants.  

Competitive grants (Section 10103) 

This section authorizes annual funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements and Elimination and the National Intercity Passenger Railroad Partnership Program grants.  

CRISI (Section 10104) 

This section reauthorizes the CRISI grant program to fund intercity passenger rail projects. It expands eligibility to law enforcement, and Washington, D.C.,’s Union Station. It enables research and development of technologies that improve railroad safety such as wayside defect detection and rail car and train movement monitoring technology. It also provides assistance for projects that improve passenger rail ridership by reducing conflicts on shared lines.  

Railroad crossing safety improvements and elimination program (Section 10105) 

This section reauthorizes the previously named Railroad Crossing Safety grant program, continues eligibility for safety improvements at grade crossings and allows for the use of advanced technology to improve safety and to reduce costs. It also allows nonprofit organizations focused on rail safety to apply for grants.  

National intercity passenger railroad partnership program (Section 10106) 

This section consolidates the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, Restoration and Enhancements and Interstate Rail Compacts grants into a newly created National Intercity Passenger Railroad Partnership Program. This section establishes new cost shares for operating assistance and clarifies an acceptable degree of non-federal financial commitments. 

Corridor identification and development program (Section 10107) 

This section authorizes the Corridor Identification and Development Program through FY31 and revises service development plan requirements for new applicants and current applicants that have not yet secured non-federal funding. It also allows corridors to concurrently undertake various phases of project development work to speed up project completion.  

Emergency relief (Section 10108) 

This section authorizes an Emergency Relief program for rail under the FRA. Under this section, the USDOT secretary may provide grants for repairing or replacing certain rail infrastructure for intercity passenger rail carriers that are damaged by natural disasters. The program covers capital projects and evacuation-related operating expenses that are not otherwise covered by private insurance. This section requires recipients to maintain proper insurance and ensures federal funds do not duplicate assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or private sources.  

Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) (Section 10109) 

This section authorizes funds to be appropriated to the OIG of Amtrak.  

Check out our previous coverage of the BUILD America 250 act, which includes a breakdown on general apportionments; safety and security policies; and buses and bus facilities policies and funding.