The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has pledged grants of around €1.48 billion (US$1.6 billion) from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) and Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (Infra) programmes to 12 rail-related projects for the 2023/2024 financial year. This sum is part of a total of €4.5 billion that will be made available for 37 projects. The Mega programme, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), has a budget of €4.6 billion until 2026 and is aimed at particularly large and complex projects that cannot be financed through traditional funding programmes. Eligible projects include intermodal or rail freight transport projects as well as projects to remove level crossings and improve inter-urban passenger transport. The Infra programme, whose funding has been increased by 50% as a result of the BIL, also supports large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of freight and passenger transport. Among the rail projects supported by the Mega Programme is the America's Green Gateway project at the Port of Long Beach, California, which will receive €260.5 million to increase capacity for container trains. The Infra programme supports eight rail projects with funding, including a project by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to replace a bridge and projects in California and Nevada to improve the railway infrastructure.
