• Include safety data in grant applications to support the need and cost of grant proposals to help reviewers understand why the proposed action is important.
• Include a benefit-cost analysis in grant applications to support the need and cost of the proposed implementation. Tools are available to help estimate the true cost of an incident to help with benefit-cost estimates, see Incident Cost Estimation [2].
• Allocate adequate time for preparing federal grant applications to account for strict timelines and protocols.
• The timing of funding obligations for federal grants can be unpredictable. Consider this uncertainty when proposing the work to be completed.
• Establish a consistent point of contact for grants to navigate long timelines [3].
• Carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each grant to ensure the project scope aligns with the specific stage the grant is intended to fund [3].

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[1] Gabree, S. H., Hiltunen, D., & Ranalli, E. (2019). Railroad Implemented Countermeasures to Prevent Suicide: Review of Public Information. (No. DOT/FRA/ORD-19/04). Washington, DC: Federal Railroad Administration.

Abstract: The public discussion of railroad safety initiatives can help to improve safety, either directly with the public through an increased awareness, or by encouraging other carriers to consider similar safety efforts. Rail carriers are often quick to promote trespass and crossing safety efforts, however, efforts to mitigate rail suicide are often not discussed. Suicide is unique from other rail safety topics in that it requires more precise language when discussing publicly. Responsible discussion of suicide prevention can increase the availability of information on how to get help, while limiting the dramatization of these events, thereby reducing the likelihood of copycat events. In this report, the authors conducted web-based searches to identify rail-specific efforts to mitigate suicide that have been publicly discussed, either by the carrier themselves or through the media. Generally, there is limited discussion of suicide-specific prevention efforts being undertaken by rail carriers, and the level of detail provided about these efforts varies. In total, 14 carriers and a range of strategies were identified including fencing, signage, detection and monitoring, training of employees and authorities, public and industry events, websites, and media guidelines. Partnerships

[2] Bert, S., Keller, C., Parsons, O., Randall, M., Poslusny, J., Lahare, A., Slunke, M., Searcy, S., and Findley, D. (2020). The Comprehensive Cost of Rail Incidents in North Carolina. Technical Report No. FHWA/NA/2020-44. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Research and Development Unit.

Abstract: This research provides a comprehensive appraisal and cost tool for the broad spectrum of events occurring on North Carolina’s rail network. It evaluates costs associated with property damage, casualty, and delay, rerouting, and supply chain events. It also analyzes upstream effects, emissions costs, railroad operating costs, and emergency responder costs. FRA safety database records are used to inventory rail incidents that have occurred in North Carolina, while a collection of journal articles, reports, and other data sources such as Amtrak delay records, American Association of Railroads repair and maintenance costs schedules, and public safety answering point data are used for the analysis. In 2019, there were 187 rail incidents in North Carolina, imposing a total estimated cost of approximately $258.3 million. Of the costs incurred, casualties comprised the largest cost component valued at a cost of $252,816,000. Property damage costs were approximately $3,651,000; costs associated with delay, rerouting, and supply chain disruptions were approximately $1,572,000; emissions costs were $131,000; operating costs were $73,000; and first and emergency responder costs were an estimated $60,000. From 2010-2019, rail incident costs in North Carolina totaled an estimated $2.4 billion. Policymakers often underestimate the costs of rail incidents and are thus less inclined to allocate scarce resources to rail safety countermeasures. Thus, accompanying this research, the NCDOT Rail Division will be acquiring a cost tool that can be used to estimate the costs associated with the broad spectrum of events that occur on North Carolina’s rail network. The tool can be used to tabulate costs resulting from an individual event or to aggregate costs over a specified time period. Additionally, the tool can be updated as needed with more recent data, making it a living tool that can be useful for years to come.

[3] Kongmany, B. (2025, Spring). What do applicants need for federal grant applications? An analysis of federal grant programs across agencies [Presentation slides]. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Description: Increasing professionalization within the transportation space has increased the complexity of USDOT discretionary grant applications. The application process itself is very complicated with specific details and requirements that applicants must adjust to in order to get funding. Before being considered for funding, potential grantees must submit several documents detailing every component of their proposed project and must go through eligibility requirements before it is passed along for evaluation. All of this complexity can hinder many applicants from obtaining funding for their projects and forces them to redo and reapply for these grants during the next grant cycle. This project will analyze and examine what applicants really need for the grant process and can inform ways to simplify the process in order to relieve some of the burden placed on applicants. | PAGE 4

FRA Grant Opportunities. The website is where FRA posts grant opportunities.

FRA Webinars. An FRA website with links to webinars including webinars which provide information about applying to FRA grants (use the Grants and Loans dropdown).

Grants.gov. A federal website which provides information about federal grant opportunities and includes a search functionality to search grants by keyword.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants. A SAMHSA website that provides information about the SAMHSA grant process, how to apply, available grants, anticipated future grants, how grants are managed, and other grant resources.

NCDOT Cost Estimation Tool. A customizable tool developed by North Carolina DOT to estimate the true cost of a railroad incident.