McClellan, Scott Announce Two $500K DOT Grant Awards

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) applauded two separate $500,000 grant awards to strengthen Virginia’s passenger rail network. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Rail Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program awarded grants to support construction of the Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor and the east-west Commonwealth Corridor. 

Improvements to the North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor will dramatically expand passenger rail service and reliability in the growing Southeast Corridor, which is expected to reach a population of more than 25 million by 2040. The Commonwealth Corridor will provide much needed east-to-west passenger rail service and connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville, and the New River Valley in Virginia. 

“This announcement is incredibly welcomed news that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginians,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Virginia. This federal funding will support the development of a vital component of the national rail passenger transportation system and better connect Virginia with the rest of the nation. As we work to implement additional provisions from the bill, I will continue advocating for localities in Virginia’s Fourth and across the Commonwealth.”

"These announcements from the DOT are great news for the Commonwealth. These funds will expand passenger rail service for Virginians and provide a boost for our local economies,” said Congressman Scott. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a once in a generation investment in rail, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, broadband and more. The law has already delivered big wins for Virginia and these grants are another example. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we take full advantage of further opportunities and resources made available from this law."

McClellan and Scott fought to secure this federal funding for the Commonwealth. In March 2023, McClellan and Scott sent a letter to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging the selection of the N.C. to D.C. Corridor and the Commonwealth Corridor. While in the Virginia General Assembly, McClellan carried legislation to direct the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to conduct a feasibility study of the Commonwealth Corridor. 

Read the full DOT announcement here. Read the grant support letter here. Read the Commonwealth Corridor feasibility study here. 

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