Are projects located along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) eligible for funding under $8 billion in capital funds?
Yes. While the NEC main line between Boston, New York and Washington, DC is not a designated high-speed rail corridor, and thus not eligible for PRIIA Section 501 funds, projects along the NEC are eligible for ARRA funding under the intercity passenger rail and congestion programs (Sections 301 and 302 of PRIIA, respectively). NEC main line projects must be sponsored by States (for Section 301) or Amtrak (in cooperation with States – for Section 302) in order to be considered for funding. Investments in NEC development are also eligible under Amtrak’s ARRA grant and FY 2009 appropriations funding.
