Amtrak received close to $3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grants on August 14, 2026, to fund the acquisition of up to 43 new trainsets and multiple infrastructure projects across 21 state-supported routes. The grant package forms part of a $5.3 billion FRA funding round announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in Cincinnati.
New Trainset Acquisition and State Route Coverage
The largest portion of the grant, $2.05 billion, is allocated to purchasing up to 43 new trainsets designed to replace “legacy equipment that is at the end of its service life on State Supported services,” according to Amtrak. These new trainsets will serve 21 routes including
the Adirondack, Blue Water, Carolinian, Amtrak Cascades, Washington DC to Newport News, Norfolk, Roanoke, Downeaster, Empire, Ethan Allen, Hartford Line, Hiawatha, Illini/Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone, Lincoln, Pennsylvanian, Piedmont, Missouri River Runner, and Wolverine.
Amtrak has not selected a manufacturer, signed a contract, or announced delivery timelines. Based on current procurement durations observed in Amtrak’s 83 Siemens Airo trainset order, earliest delivery is projected no sooner than 2031.
The new trainsets will be fully built in the United States, engaging nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states to satisfy Buy America requirements embedded in the grant. Amtrak and state transportation departments must
provide a 20% funding match for each project before equipment orders can proceed.
Chicago-Area Infrastructure Modernization
Approximately $659 million has been awarded to Amtrak for Chicago region infrastructure upgrades. This includes $572 million to develop a new maintenance facility by relocating operations from the existing 14th Street Yard to the Canal Street Yard. Amtrak cites this relocation as necessary to improve maintenance efficiency and accommodate expected ridership growth.
An $87 million grant will rehabilitate over a dozen aging Chicago-area viaducts and bridges near the new maintenance site. Additionally, a $37.25 million grant targets repairs on the over 110-year-old South Branch Chicago River lift
bridge, which is used by Amtrak, Metra commuter rail, and freight operators. The bridge faces reliability issues during extreme weather, disrupting multiple services.
Siemens Charger Locomotive Overhaul and Service Reliability
The FRA awarded $140.6 million to overhaul 41 Siemens Charger locomotives, including the SC44 Midwest fleet and ALC-42 variants on long-distance routes. These locomotives have experienced reliability challenges, causing cancellations on Midwest routes such as the Illinois Zephyr in August 2026. Siemens stated it is “working closely with Amtrak to support fleet availability and reliable passenger service.” At least one locomotive has been sent to Siemens’ Lexington, North Carolina, facility for overhaul.
Funding Sources and Project Scope
The $3 billion awarded to
Amtrak is part of the FRA’s $5.3 billion National Railroad Partnership Program grant round, which funds 41 projects across 23 states. FRA Administrator David Fink called it the largest single passenger-rail funding round of the year. Approximately $2 billion of the funds were reallocated from grants canceled for California’s high-speed rail project, terminated in July 2025 due to non-compliance in nine areas, including a $7 billion funding shortfall and missed procurement deadlines.
Other funded projects include upgrades to infrastructure in South Carolina, Montana, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Nebraska, and New Jersey.
Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann said,
“Thanks to these new grants and continued support from Secretary Duffy and Administrator Fink, Amtrak is investing in vital projects that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve and expand rail service for millions of Americans.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the awards represent “putting dollars behind new trains and new tracks to improve transportation and make America and its rails safer, smoother, and world class.”
