Is rolling stock eligible for funding under ARRA?
Yes. Applicants will need to include a passenger equipment plan as part of any application to improve, develop or initiate high-speed rail service. Applicants are also responsible for ensuring that the rail passenger equipment they operate complies with all applicable safety laws and regulations or that the operator has secured appropriate approvals from FRA in accordance with established processes (e.g., 49 C.F.R. §238.7 related to waivers of the Passenger Equipment Safety Standards, 49 C.F.R. Part 238). Applicants will also need to be mindful of the Buy America requirements of 49 U.S.C. §24405 in connection with equipment acquisitions with ARRA funding. For rolling stock equipment proposals, DOT will encourage acquisition of new, standardized, interoperable equipment that incorporates state-of-the-art safety features.
