North Region
Federal Grants Program
BNSF recognizes the value of public-private partnerships in advancing infrastructure improvements. Our Public Projects and Public Infrastructure and Investments teams work with communities and public agencies to help secure funding for projects that cross, intersect with or parallel the BNSF network
BNSF recognizes the value of public-private partnerships in advancing infrastructure improvements. Our Public Projects and Public Infrastructure and Investments teams work with communities and public agencies to help secure funding for projects that cross, intersect with or parallel the BNSF network
Support through every stage of the process
Our Public Infrastructure and Investments team works with public agencies to identify funding opportunities, strengthen applications and advance infrastructure projects.
Strategic planning and grant application support
We help explain funding options and program requirements, assess project benefits and provide letters of support when appropriate to strengthen grant applications.
Request a letter of supportPathway to obligation
After a grant is awarded, we help agencies navigate pre-obligation requirements and support timely project advancement.
Community outreach
We work with community stakeholders to develop infrastructure strategies, communicate project benefits and support successful partnerships.
Partner with BNSF
Here's how we can partner with you to pursue a grant:
BNSF supports local public agency partners during every phase of the process to optimize federal funding opportunities to advance public projects that will help our growing communities and networks.
STRATEGIC PLANNING - We can help explain funding program options, clarify funding requirements, and decode the grant process to align funding
LETTER OF SUPPORT - A Letter of Support is strongly encouraged in the grant application for projects that involve BNSF Right-of-Way.
STRATEGIC PLANNING - We can help explain funding program options, clarify funding requirements, and decode the grant process to align funding
LETTER OF SUPPORT - A Letter of Support is strongly encouraged in the grant application for projects that involve BNSF Right-of-Way.
GRANT APPLICATION - Our expertise in navigating the grant process has helped applicant partners with successful applications and wins.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - We have been supporting communities for over 170 years. We can partner with stakeholders to develop infrastructure strategies
BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS - Identifying, quantifying, and comparing expected benefits and costs is critical in articulating a project’s impact.
GRANT ADMINISTRATION - BNSF can help applicant partners produce deliverables, manage reporting requirements, and evaluate performance.
Connect with our PII Team
South Region
Program highlights
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has provided a historic surge in federal funding, empowering communities to pursue transformative projects with long-term regional and national benefits.
BNSF’s PII team is committed to building strong partnerships that maximize the impact of the remaining funding opportunities. As project partners, we collaborate to help secure funding that drives infrastructure progress for the communities where we operate.
Click on the grant program below for more information, and to collaborate with BNSF on your next grant application, please reach out to Grant Support.
AOP
The Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program awards grants to eligible entities for projects for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish.
Administered by: FHWA
ATIIP
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) aims to enhance the safety and connectivity of active transportation networks or spines. Future funding for ATIIP is subject to the availability of appropriations.
Administered by: FHWA.
BIP
The Bridge Investment Program (BIP) provides funding towards improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over bridges.
Administered by: FHWA.
BUILD
The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, previously known as RAISE, awards funding for infrastructure that enhances mobility and promotes economic opportunities.
Administered by: USDOT.
CID
The Corridor Identification and Development (CID) program awards funding for comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development programs as a subset of the associated Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.
Administered by: FRA.
CRISI
The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program awards funding for projects that improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
Administered by: FRA.
FSP
The Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant (FSP) program awards funding for capital projects that improve the state of intercity passenger rail services.
Administered by: FRA.
MPDG
The Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) funding opportunities, which include INFRA, Mega, and Rural, are awarded on an annual competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant national or regional impact, or to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. As of June 2025, all advance appropriated Fiscal Year funding opportunities have been awarded by the USDOT.
Administered by: USDOT.
PIDP
The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) awards funding for port infrastructure projects that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Administered by: MARAD.
PROTECT
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) aims to fund projects that make transportation infrastructure more resilient to natural hazards and the effects of climate change.
Administered by: FHWA.
RCE
The Crossing Safety Program/Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program awards funding for the elimination of railroad crossings and other safety improvements that promote improved mobility.
Administered by: FRA.
RCP
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program supports capital construction and planning grants to address barriers and restore community connectivity. As of June 2025, all Fiscal Year funding opportunities have been awarded by the USDOT.
Administered by: USDOT.
SMART
The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program provides funding for projects that advance smart city or community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.
Administered by: USDOT.
SS4A
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program aims to improve roadway safety through safety action plan development.
Administered by: USDOT.
Request a Letter of Support
BNSF wants to partner on projects that prioritize safety, infrastructure, and prosperity in communities that interface with our networks. If you are interested in a Letter of Support that highlights the importance of your project, please complete the BNSF Public Projects Letter of Support Request Form. This form will provide BNSF with your key project details, and a member of our Public Infrastructure and Investments team may follow-up with you to further discuss how we can support your project, additional project details, and create a strong Letter of Support that demonstrates how the project can create lasting transportation and community benefits.
Case studies
Projects supported through grant partnerships
Projects
Occupied Crossing Mitigation/Davis Siding Project
Award: FY 2023-2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE)
Funding Awarded: $25.4 million
Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Location: Davis, Oklahoma
Administered by: Federal Railroad Administration
Award: FY 2023-2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE)
Funding Awarded: $25.4 million
Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Location: Davis, Oklahoma
Administered by: Federal Railroad Administration
Projects
Flagstaff Downtown Mile Safety/Connectivity Improvements Project
Award: FY 2022 MPDG INFRA
Funding Awarded: $32.5 million
Agency: City of Flagstaff
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Administered by: U.S. Department of Transportation
Award: FY 2022 MPDG INFRA
Funding Awarded: $32.5 million
Agency: City of Flagstaff
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Administered by: U.S. Department of Transportation
Projects
Salmon Bay Rail Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Award: FY 2022 MPDG INFRA
Funding Awarded: $25 million
Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
Location: Seattle, Washington
Administered by: U.S. Department of Transportation
Award: FY 2022 MPDG INFRA
Funding Awarded: $25 million
Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
Location: Seattle, Washington
Administered by: U.S. Department of Transportation