In a major boost for railroad infrastructure, the Federal Railroad Administration is awarding $2.4 billion in grants to 122 rail projects that aim to improve rail safety, resilience and efficiency.

Grants from the Federal Railroad Administration will fund high-speed passenger rail projects from North Carolina and Virginia to California and Nevada. 

The grant awards include $3.1 billion for the California High-Speed Rail Authority and $3 billion for the Brightline West linking Southern California to Las Vegas.

FRA receives $6B in grant applications, four times the funds available.

Texas, California and Alabama are top three states for grant dollars.

A separate program, coming later, will apply to Northeast Corridor projects.

Program was created by the IIJA.

Grants to go for 46 projects in 32 states and District of Columbia.