State rail grant and loan programs

Current call for projects

For the 2027-2029 biennium, a total of $7.04 million in funding will be available for Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) grants and a total of $5 million will be available for Freight Rail Investment Bank (FRIB) loans. However, the programmed amount identified is subject to change and funding allotments will be re-evaluated during the 2027 legislative session. Therefore, funding availability is not guaranteed.

Applications for the FRAP and FRIB programs must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 7, 2026. If your project is selected, funds will be available in July of 2027, if approved by the Washington State Legislature in the 2027-29 Transportation Budget.

The below Application Packet must be used to develop your application. It includes detailed information on what information to include in your application and the rules to follow when making your submission. 

FRAP and FRIB 2027-29 Application Packet (Word 60KB)

Those interested in learning more about the FRAP and FRIB programs and the process for applying for funding are encouraged to watch the FRAP-FRIB webinar video. 

Freight Rail Investment Bank

The FRIB is a loan program available to the public sector. This program is intended for either smaller projects or as a small part of a larger project, where state funds would enable the project to be completed.

• This loan program is open to organizations in the public sector only, as loans to the private sector are outside the constitution of the state.
• All applicants must provide a minimum 20% match.
• A 2% simple annual interest rate is applied to the repayment period of no more than 15 years to cover administrative costs.

Freight Rail Assistance Program

The FRAP is a grant program open to applicants in both the public and private sector. This program is directed toward larger projects that are challenged to secure funding and where the rail location or the project is of strategic importance to the local community and the state.

• The amount sought in individual applications is not restricted, but it is based on available funding.
• The Legislature determines how those funds will be spent based upon the applications submitted through WSDOT. The Legislature may choose to increase or decrease the actual funding made available.
• This grant program is open to cities, county rail districts, counties, economic development councils, port districts, and privately or publicly owned railroads.
• Projects must be shown to maintain or improve the freight rail system in the state and benefit the state's interests.

Previous grant and loan awards

For the 2025–2027 biennium, a total of $5 million for FRIB loans and $7.04 million in FRAP grants were awarded. Tacoma Rail was the successful recipient of two FRIB loan projects. The successful recipients of the FRAP grants were Cascade & Columbia River Railroad; Highline Grain Growers LLC; Rainier Rail; Columbia Basin Railroad; and Pacific Northwest Farmers’ Cooperative.