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File #: 91115    Version: 1 Name: Authorizing the Department of Transportation to apply for a $6.75 million Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration and, if awarded, amending the 2026 capital budget for Transportation and
Type: Resolution Status: Items Referred
File created: 12/3/2025 In control: FINANCE COMMITTEE
On agenda: 12/9/2025 Final action:
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Authorizing the Department of Transportation to apply for a $6.75 million Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resulting grant agreement to accept the grant (District 4, District 6, District 12, District 15, District 17).
Sponsors: Michael E. Verveer, Sean O'Brien, Derek Field, Sabrina V. Madison
Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the application and acceptance of a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant. The $6.75 million grant would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison. Existing funding available in Engineering’s Railroad Crossings and Quiet Zones capital program would be used to support the 20% local match of $1.35 million. If awarded, the grant amount will be appropriated through a separate resolution or future budget request.
Title
Authorizing the Department of Transportation to apply for a $6.75 million Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resulting grant agreement to accept the grant (District 4, District 6, District 12, District 15, District 17).
Body
WHEREAS, the FSP Grant would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison, which is currently being studied by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation through the Corridor ID program; and

WHEREAS, improvements to at-grade railroad crossings will benefit all users of Madison’s transportation system, improve safety, and support both current freight rail operations and future passenger rail operations; and

WHEREAS, the Engineering Department is planning to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to improve at-grade rail crossings, and these improvements align with and complement the proposed FSP Grant scope; and

WHEREAS, the grant funding is in the amount of $6.75 million with a 20% local match of $1.35 million; and

WHEREAS, the City would complete the planning, environmental review, design, and construction of identified safety improvements using a combination of City staff and pro...

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