Grants
Mickelson & Company helps railroads compete for CRISI and other federal and state rail grant programs to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity.
The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s flagship federal rail grant program and a primary funding source for rail infrastructure, safety, and efficiency improvements. In addition to CRISI, federal and state rail grant programs collectively provide billions in competitive funding to support short-line upgrades, bridge rehabilitation, crossing upgrades, capacity expansion, safety technologies, and new rail construction.
Mickelson & Company specializes in CRISI grant consulting while supporting a broader portfolio of federal and state rail funding programs. We guide clients through application strategy, project development, and compliance with statutory and discretionary selection criteria, ensuring projects are positioned to compete effectively.
CRISI and related rail grant programs emphasize projects that deliver clear public benefits and advance national and state transportation priorities, including safety, reliability, emissions reduction, and freight mobility. Eligible projects range from corridor-level rehabilitation and new rail construction to locomotive modernization, safety technology deployment, and multimodal improvements.
Mickelson & Company helps clients identify applicable grant opportunities, optimize matching fund strategies, and develop compelling, data-driven project narratives. By aligning projects with program goals and funding priorities, we enhance the likelihood of award success while maximizing the value of public investment.
Major funding opportunity for short line railroads: FY 2025-2026 CRISI Grants now open!
The Federal Railroad Administration has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for CRISI Program, making more than $2.039 billion available for eligible rail projects.
This is a significant opportunity, but it is also a highly competitive program as demand always outpaces supply. A strong application requires a clear project narrative, a compelling public benefits case, and a well-developed funding strategy.
At Mickelson & Company, we help railroads and public-sector partners develop competitive CRISI applications and navigate the grant process from project scoping through submission.
Applications for this cycle must be submitted by June 22, 2026, so don’t delay! Contact our CRISI grant expert, Justin Bentaas, to learn how we can support your grant application and help you secure funding for your infrastructure.
CASE STUDY
Florida Central Railroad: From Application to Obligation
Mickelson & Company partnered with Florida Central Railroad (FCEN) to secure and deliver a $7.3 million Federal Railroad Association (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to modernize Central Florida’s freight network.
“Mickelson & Company has been instrumental from day one—from crafting a competitive application to helping us navigate the federal process. Their expertise allowed us to move seamlessly from concept to award to now implementation.”
PETE PETREE
Vice President of Strategic Projects
at Regional Rail
Reach Out To Our Grants Experts
