The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has opened the application process for the Fiscal Year 2026 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP). This program is designed to support projects that enhance rail or freight access, economic opportunity, safety, and job growth.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said, “The continued expansion and improvement of our state’s freight rail network support economic growth as well as our mission to reduce truck traffic in our communities.” She expressed anticipation for the proposed projects in this round of IRAP funding, which aim to improve life quality across Massachusetts.
IRAP is a competitive state-funded public/private partnership program offering financial assistance to eligible applicants. These applicants must invest in rail infrastructure that increases access and usage of the freight rail network. A requirement for applicants is to match at least 40 percent of a project’s total cost with private financial support.
Applications are due by May 22, 2025. Projects will be evaluated based on their alignment with program requirements and the public benefits they offer, such as rail system preservation, mobility, economic development, and safety.
In the previous round of IRAP awards, over $1.5 million was distributed among three projects across the Commonwealth. These initiatives are expected to decrease truck traffic by eliminating thousands of regional truck trips while enhancing businesses’ access to rail and freight infrastructure.
For more information or to apply for the IRAP program, interested parties can visit the IRAP website.
Information from this article can be found here.
