State rail grant and loan programs

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.
• Generally, a 1% interest rate is charged 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 where it is difficult to gain a contribution 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.

Current status

The 2024 call for projects has closed. Applications that were submitted by the deadline were scored and sent to the Legislature for funding consideration during the 2025 session. Those applications that are approved for funding can expect the grants to be awarded after July 1, 2025. 

For the 2025-2027 biennium, a total of $7 million in funding is expected to be available for Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) grants and a total of $6 million is expected to 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 2025 legislative session. Therefore, funding availability is not guaranteed.

Administration and scoring

The grant and loan programs are administered by WSDOT and require the applicants to provide a business plan for the project as well as a benefit/cost calculation to ensure they are generating public benefits. For an example of what is required, the previous FRIB-FRAP 2025-2027 APPLICATION PACKAGE (PDF 861KB) is available for your reference. 

Representatives from the Washington State Department of Commerce and other state agencies and organizations participate with WSDOT in evaluating projects.