by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:55 AM ET, Sat August 15, 2026
The United States Department of Transportation announced nearly
$3 billion in federal funding for seven Amtrak projects designed to improve
service for state-supported and long-distance routes across America.
As part of the funding, the Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) said it would allocate over $2 billion for fleet modernization, including
the acquisition of up to 43 new trainsets and related improvements.
The new trains will be built in the U.S. with nearly 100
suppliers in 31 states. The trains will be used on the Adirondack, Blue Water,
Carolinian, Amtrak Cascades, D.C. to Newport News, D.C. to Norfolk, D.C. to
Roanoke, Downeaster, Empire, Ethan Allen, Hartford Line, Hiawatha,
Illini/Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone, Lincoln, Pennsylvanian, Pere
Marquette, Piedmont, Missouri River Runner, and Wolverine routes.
“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,” Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann said.
In addition to the over $2 billion for new trains, the FRA
said it would issue $659 million for maintenance facility modernization and
viaducts in the Chicago region, Amtrak’s largest long-distance hub. Another
$37.2 million will be issued for the Chicago River Bridge Project for Amtrak,
Metra, Freight and Maritime Service.
The FRA also revealed a focus on renewing rail
infrastructure for small-town America, with funding for improvements in South
Carolina, Montana, and other rural locations.
Amtrak also unveiled plans for new onboard shunt enhancement
devices, which will improve train system reliability and safety protections for
all 32 state-supported routes and all of Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes.
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