[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2520 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2520
To establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct the Federal
Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand
passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish
rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 29, 2025
Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Murphy, Mr.
Blumenthal, Ms. Warren, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr.
Booker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct the Federal
Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand
passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish
rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``All Aboard Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
Federal Railroad Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
(3) Amtrak.--The term ``Amtrak'' means the National
Railroad Passenger Corporation.
(4) Electrification infrastructure.--The term
``electrification infrastructure''--
(A) means overhead wire in-motion charging
technology and any associated infrastructure necessary
for the operation to propel a locomotive or train; and
(B) includes battery electric technology that
propels a locomotive or train in railyards and other
environments in which catenary infrastructure is
difficult to deploy as determined by the Secretary.
(5) Environmental justice community.--The term
``environmental justice community'' means a community with
significant representation of individuals of color, low-income
individuals, or Tribal and Indigenous individuals, that
experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, higher or more
adverse human health or environmental effects.
(6) Federal-state intercity partnership program.--The term
``Federal-State Intercity Partnership program'' means the grant
program developed and implemented by the Secretary pursuant to
section 24911(b) of title 49, United States Code.
(7) High-performance rail service.--The term ``high-
performance rail service'' means an intercity passenger rail
service that is designed to meet the current and future market
demand for the transportation of people and goods, in terms of
capacity, travel times, reliability, and efficiency.
(8) Locomotive.--The term ``locomotive'' has the meaning
given that term in section 1033.901 of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(9) MU locomotive.--The term ``MU locomotive'', with
respect to electric multiple unit and battery-electric multiple
unit trains, has the meaning given that term in section 229.5
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
(10) Partnership applicant.--The term ``partnership
applicant'' has the meaning given that term ``applicant'' in
section 24911 of title 49, United States Code.
(11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(12) State.--The term ``State'' means a State of the United
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
(13) Train.--The term ``train'' has the meaning given that
term in section 221.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
(14) Zero-emission locomotive.--The term ``zero-emission
locomotive'' means a locomotive that does not emit any criteria
pollutant, toxic pollutant, or greenhouse gas from any onboard
source of power at any power setting, including any propulsion
power that is connected to and moves with the locomotive when
it is in motion.
SEC. 3. STATE RAIL FORMULA FUNDING.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a formula grant
program under which the Secretary shall award grants to States for the
development of State rail plans, operations of rail service, and
maintenance and expansion of rail infrastructure.
(b) Report Required.--Each State that receives a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary a report describing how the State
rail plan and activities--
(1) include a strategy--
(A) to expand passenger rail service, particularly
high-performance rail service, including new routes,
existing routes identified by the department of
transportation of the State, and routes selected under
the Corridor Identification and Development Program
established under section 25101 of title 49, United
States Code; and
(B) to electrify existing freight and passenger
rail; and
(2) will demonstrate progress towards the goals described
in subsection (c).
(c) Goals.--The goals described in this subsection are--
(1) to support the goal of achieving zero-emission
locomotives by 2047;
(2) to guarantee the national rail network has the capacity
to serve a significant portion of freight and passenger
movement along the current and projected highest trafficked
intercity corridors by 2050;
(3) to achieve zero emissions for--
(A) 50 percent of all trains by 2030;
(B) all new trains by 2035; and
(C) all locomotives by 2047;
(4) to reconnect communities divided by railroads through
infrastructure improvements that expand freight and passenger
rail capacity;
(5) to protect the safety and health of rail workers and
nearby communities;
(6) to ensure current and future rail infrastructure is
climate resilient;
(7) to realize high-quality service that is trip-time
competitive with other intercity travel options; and
(8) to facilitate a viable mode shift from short-haul
flights to passenger rail between targeted city pairs.
(d) Use of Funds.--A State awarded a grant under this section may
use funds from such grant to advance rail planning and operations by--
(1) hiring and retaining staff;
(2) pooling funds with other States to advance interstate
initiatives and projects;
(3) making improvements to existing rail infrastructure;
(4) constructing new rail infrastructure;
(5) carrying out such other rail activities as the
Secretary determines appropriate, including studying the
impacts on freight rail operations and ridership and operations
coordination;
(6) operating intercity passenger rail service; and
(7) preparing applications for competitive Federal grant
programs.
(e) Formula.--In allocating grant funds among the States, the
Administrator shall--
(1) ensure that each State receives not less than
$5,000,000, annually over a 5-year period; and
(2) determine a method of apportionment that fairly
distributes funds based on the existing and future demand for
rail service in a State.
(f) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator, in coordination with
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary
of Energy, Amtrak, and the Administrator of the Federal Transit
Administration, shall provide technical assistance to States and
communities to assist with the development of State rail plans.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $3,500,000,000 for the 5-year period
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under this section.
SEC. 4. GREEN RAILROADS FUND.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, may award
competitive grants to eligible entities described in subsection (c) to
enable or improve electrified rail operations.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--To apply for a grant under this section an
eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary in
such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Requirements.--Each application submitted in accordance
with paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) a plan for robust engagement that details a
public notice process that requires--
(i) notification online and in relevant
print sources written in languages used within
the area reasonably affected by the proposed
grant;
(ii) opportunities for public meetings and
comment; and
(iii) other information relevant to the
project to be made publicly available;
(B) a plan that details how--
(i) the project will safeguard or improve
the local environment and public health; and
(ii) environmental and public health
stressors will be monitored and minimized
during the project;
(C) a description of wage and apprenticeship
requirements for individuals employed to construct,
operate, and maintain rail electrification
infrastructure; and
(D) a transition plan that examines the impact of
the proposed project on the workforce of the eligible
entity, including--
(i) identifying skills gaps, training
needs, and retraining needs of the workforce;
(ii) a plan to operate and maintain
infrastructure of the project using existing
insourced workforce;
(iii) a plan to avoid displacement of the
workforce and to transition any displaced
workers to new jobs created by the project;
(iv) identifying the steps the eligible
entity will take to offset any identified
negative impact or potential displacement of
the workforce, including how the entity will
use the funds from the grant and its own
funding to implement the transition plan; and
(v) a description of how the eligible
entity will work with any organizations
representing the workforce to implement the
transition plan.
(c) Eligible Entities.--An eligible entity described in this
subsection is any of the following:
(1) A State.
(2) A group of States.
(3) An interstate compact.
(4) A public agency or a publicly chartered authority
established by one or more States.
(5) A political subdivision of a State.
(6) Amtrak or any other rail carrier that provides
intercity rail passenger transportation.
(7) A class I railroad in partnership with at least 1 of
the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (5).
(8) A class II or III railroad.
(9) A Federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(10) A rail equipment manufacturer in partnership with at
least 1 of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through
(5).
(11) A public utility.
(12) A nonprofit labor organization representing a class or
craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier
contractors.
(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this
section may use funds from such grant--
(1) to purchase railroad lines and right of way from other
railroads that host Amtrak or other intercity passenger rail
transportation for new electrification infrastructure;
(2) to rebuild or improve existing locomotives, trains, or
MU locomotives to enable such trains and locomotives to use
electrification infrastructure;
(3) to install or improve existing rail electrification
infrastructure;
(4) to build new rail corridors with electrification
infrastructure;
(5) to update rail yards by adding electrification
infrastructure;
(6) to lease or acquire an easement along a right of way
for electrification infrastructure;
(7) to purchase or lease electric locomotives, MU
locomotives, and trains or rolling stock;
(8) to ensure new electrification infrastructure is climate
resilient;
(9) to engage in robust engagement with communities; and
(10) for workforce development and training to support the
maintenance, deployment, and operation of electric locomotives,
MU locomotives, and trains.
(e) Labor Requirements.--
(1) In general.--A project funded by a grant awarded under
this section shall--
(A) use project labor agreements;
(B) use enforceable agreements to hire from local
communities; and
(C) for any freight train or light engine used in
connection with the movement of freight, require a crew
consisting of at least 2 individuals, one of whom is
certified under regulations promulgated by the
Administration as a locomotive engineer pursuant to
section 20135 of title 49, United States Code, and the
other of whom is certified under regulations
promulgated by the Administration as a conductor
pursuant to section 20163 of title 49, United States
Code.
(f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to projects that will--
(1) reduce air pollution in environmental justice
communities to yield measurable health benefits where air
pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and
other criteria air pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and
volatile organic compounds; and
(2) expand high performance passenger rail.
(g) Benefits for Other Programs.--An eligible entity that receives
a grant under this section and is eligible for other rail grant
programs described by this Act shall receive priority for additional
funding under such programs for rail electrification infrastructure
projects. Entities awarded grants under other programs in this Act may
be awarded a grant under this section when applicable.
(h) Study on Transmission Co-Location With Rail Electrification
Infrastructure.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with
the Administrator, and in consultation with the Department of
Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and any other
agency deemed relevant by the Secretary and the Administrator,
shall conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility, benefits,
equity impacts, and challenges of co-locating electric
transmission infrastructure within the same right-of-way or
adjacent to rail corridors as part of efforts to minimize land
use, streamline permitting processes, support rail
electrification, expand renewable energy capacity, reduce
community impacts of new infrastructure, improve safety, and
ensure fair access to infrastructure benefits for all
communities.
(2) Outcomes and recommendations.--
(A) Interagency task force.--In carrying out the
study required under paragraph (1), the Secretary may
recommend the establishment of an interagency task
force to facilitate ongoing coordination among Federal,
state, and local, and private entities to advance
projects involving transmission and rail
electrification infrastructure.
(B) Designated priority corridors.--In carrying out
the study required under paragraph (1), the Secretary
may--
(i) propose a framework to designate
priority corridors for co-located transmission
and rail electrification projects; and
(ii) recommend how such projects should be
incentivized.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $50,000,000,000 for the 5-year period
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under this section.
SEC. 5. EXPANSION OF PASSENGER RAIL AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE RAIL.
(a) Federal-State Intercity Partnership Program.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for the Federal-State
Intercity Partnership program $80,000,000,000 for the 5-year
period beginning on October 1, 2025.
(2) Priority high-performance rail.--Section 24911(d) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as
redesignated, the following:
``(1) the Secretary shall give priority to projects that
install or upgrade infrastructure that will enable high-
performance passenger rail along new or existing rail corridors
regardless of the location of such projects within the United
States;''.
(3) Cost benefit analysis.--Section 24911(d)(3)(B)(i) of
title 49, United States Code, as redesignated, is amended--
(A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subclause (V), by inserting ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(VI) anticipated positive impacts
of the project's efforts to electrify
the corridor, or make improvements to
allow for electrification
infrastructure (as defined in the All
Aboard Act of 2025) in the future;''.
(b) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement
Program.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for the 5-
year period beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants
authorized under section 22907 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Expanded eligibility.--Section 22907(b) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(14) A Class I railroad company only if--
``(A) the entity uses the funds to install
electrification infrastructure;
``(B) the project uses project labor agreements;
``(C) the project includes enforceable agreements
to hire from local communities;
``(D) the entity complies with section 22404 of
title 49, United States Code; and
``(E) the project is in partnership with at least 1
of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through
(5).''.
(3) Eligible activities.--Section 22907(c) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(17) Any project to facilitate zero-emission locomotive
infrastructure, including projects--
``(A) to electrify publicly-owned or Amtrak-owned
routes;
``(B) to rehabilitate or improve existing
locomotives, MU locomotives, or trains (including
engines) to reduce emissions;
``(C) to purchase railroad infrastructure and right
of way from freight railroads--
``(i) to expand passenger rail or regional
rail; or
``(ii) with the intent to electrify rail in
the future;
``(D) to build electrified rail corridors;
``(E) to electrify rail yards;
``(F) to lease or acquire an easement along a
right-of-way for electrification;
``(G) to purchase electrification equipment and
rolling stock or other zero-emission locomotives, MU
locomotives, and equipment;
``(H) to ensure new electrification infrastructure
is climate-resilient; and
``(I) to engage in robust engagement with
communities impacted by any new rail infrastructure.''.
(4) Requirements.--Section 22907(d) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Application Process.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall prescribe the form
and manner of filing an application under this section.
``(2) Workforce development requirements.--Each application
for a grant under this section shall include a transition plan
that examines the impact of the proposed project on the
workforce of the eligible entity and includes--
``(A) an identification of skills gaps, training
needs, and retraining needs of the workforce;
``(B) a plan to operate and maintain infrastructure
of the project using existing insourced workforce;
``(C) a plan to avoid displacement of the
workforce;
``(D) an identification of the steps the eligible
entity will take to offset any identified negative
impact or potential displacement of the workforce,
including how the entity will use the funds from the
grant and its own funding to implement the transition
plan; and
``(E) a description of how the eligible entity will
work with any organizations representing the workforce
to implement the transition plan.
``(3) Requirements for rail electrification projects.--Each
application for a grant for an eligible project described under
subsection (c)(17) shall include--
``(A) plans for robust engagement, early in the
project planning process, with communities impacted by
any new rail electrification infrastructure;
``(B) plans for hiring from local communities,
displaced rail workers, tribal and indigenous
communities, and environmental justice communities; and
``(C) a description of wage and apprenticeship
requirements for individuals employed to construct,
operate, and maintain rail electrification
infrastructure.''.
(5) Priority for rail electrification.--Section 22907(e) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Priority for rail electrification.--In selecting a
recipient of a grant for an eligible project, the Secretary
shall give priority to a proposed project that includes
electrification infrastructure (as defined in the All Aboard
Act of 2025)--
``(A) in freight railyards or corridors in
environmental justice communities; and
``(B) along new or existing rail corridors.''.
(c) Amtrak.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for the 5-year period beginning
on October 1, 2025, for the use of Amtrak.
(2) Climate resilience fund.--Of the funds appropriated to
the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1), $5,000,000,000 shall
be used for climate resiliency improvement projects to increase
resiliency against climate-related changes in conditions,
including flooding risk, sea level rise, extreme storms,
coastal erosion, and extreme temperatures.
(d) Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000,000 for the 5-year period
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under section 22909 of
title 49, United States Code.
(e) Restoration and Enhancement Program.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for the 5-year period
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under section 22908 of
title 49, United States Code.
(f) Grant Adjustment To Support Rail Expansion.--Section 24305 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Use of Federal Grant Funds.--Unless specifically prohibited
by law or inconsistent with a grant agreement pursuant to which the
relevant funding was provided, Amtrak or States may use grant funding
received from the Federal Government to cover any non-Federal share of
costs required to be paid under grant programs authorized in title 23
or 49, United States Code, or in other Federal laws, to the extent
necessary to advance critical intercity passenger rail investments.''.
(g) Railway-Highway Crossings.--Section 130(e)(1) of title 23,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Installation of protective devices.--At least
\1/2\ of the funds set aside each fiscal year under
subparagraph (A) shall be available for the
installation of protective devices at railway-highway
crossings.''.
SEC. 6. RAIL AIR POLLUTION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency shall establish a program to provide grants under sections 103
and 105 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7403 and 7405) to address the
air pollution generated by railyards.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency $500,000,000 for the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2025,
to provide grants under section 105 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7405) to carry out subsection (a).
SEC. 7. LABOR PROTECTIONS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Grant Conditions.--Subsections (a), (c), and (d) of section
22905 of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to any grant awarded
pursuant to this Act, or funds provided under this Act, as if the grant
or funds were awarded under chapter 229 of title 49, United States
Code. The conditions of section 22404 of title 49, United States Code,
shall apply to any grant awarded pursuant to this Act.
(b) Operators and Certain Railroad Transportation Service Providers
Deemed Rail Carriers and Employers for Certain Purposes.--(1) A person
that (A) conducts passenger rail operations over, or (B) that performs
work for, or in support of, passenger rail operations that is work
performed by employees in railroad industry crafts and classes
recognized under paragraph Ninth of section 2 of the Railway Labor Act
(45 U.S.C. 152) on rail infrastructure constructed or improved with
funding provided in whole in or part in a grant made under this Act
shall be considered a rail carrier, and an employer only for the
purposes of making such person subject to the laws of the United States
referred to in section 10501(c)(3)(A) of title 49, United States Code,
including (i) the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et
seq.); (ii) the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); and (iii)
the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) but is
not deemed to be a rail carrier for the purposes of, or subject to, any
other law of the United States.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)--
(A)(i) an employer engaged primarily in the building and
construction industry, as that term is used in section 8(f) of
the National Labor Relation Act (29 U.S.C. 158(f)) which is
performing construction work as a contractor for an eligible
entity receiving funds provided under this Act, including a
rail carrier, shall not itself be considered a rail carrier
solely as a result of performance of that work, and shall be
permitted to perform the work with employees who are not
covered by (i) the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C.
231 et seq.); (ii) the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et
seq.); and (iii) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45
U.S.C. 351 et seq.); and
(ii) the exception described in clause (i) does not apply
to the performance of railroad maintenance and repair work that
is, and has been, historically and customarily performed by
employees in railroad industry crafts and classes recognized
under paragraph Ninth of section 2 of the Railway Labor Act (45
U.S.C. 152);
(B) an employer performing work as a contractor or
subcontractor for--
(i) a railroad that owns, uses, or is contracted to
perform work on, rail infrastructure constructed or
improved with funding provided in whole or in part in a
grant made under this Act; or
(ii) an operator that uses such infrastructure,
shall not itself be considered a rail carrier solely as a
result of performance of that work, and shall be permitted to
perform the work with employees who are not covered by (i) the
Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.); (ii)
the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); and (iii) the
Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.)
when such work is performed consistent with a collective
bargaining agreement between the railroad or operator and a
union representing employees in a railroad industry craft or
class recognized under paragraph Ninth of section 2 of the
Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 152), covering work performed by
that craft or class.
(c) Other Requirements.--
(1) In general.--All laborers and mechanics employed by
contractors or subcontractors in the performance of
construction, alternation, or repair work carried out, in whole
or in part, with assistance made available under this Act shall
be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on
projects of a character similar in the locality as determined
by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of
chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Authority.--With respect to labor standards specified
in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor shall have the
authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan
Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and sections
3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(d) Rail Workforce Training Centers.--
(1) Passenger rail workforce training center.--
(A) In general.--There is established within the
consolidated workforce training program--
(i) a center, which shall be known as the
``Passenger Rail Workforce Training Center'',
to meet the needs of the passenger rail systems
workforce through standards-based training
relating to relevant maintenance and operations
occupations; and
(ii) expand workforce development efforts
in partnership with organized labor including,
apprenticeship training programs.
(B) Duties.--The Passenger Rail Workforce Training
Center, in cooperation with nonprofit labor
organizations and Amtrak, shall develop and carry out
training and educational programs for rail employees
serving in the passenger rail workforce.
(2) Freight rail workforce training center.--The
Administrator, in partnership with rail carriers and nonprofit
labor organizations, shall--
(A) establish a consolidated workforce training
program for freight railroad personnel;
(B) establish a center, which shall be known as the
``Freight Rail Workforce Training Center'', to meet the
needs of the freight rail systems workforce through
standards-based training relating to relevant
maintenance and operations occupations; and
(C) expand, in partnership with organized labor,
workforce development efforts, including apprenticeship
training programs.
(3) Training and educational program inclusions.--The
training and educational programs developed pursuant to
paragraphs (1) and (2) may include courses in recent
developments, techniques, and procedures relating to--
(A) developing consensus national training
standards, in partnership with industry stakeholders,
for key rail occupations with demonstrated skill gaps;
(B) establishing regional, State, and local rail
training partnerships--
(i) to identify and address workforce skill
gaps; and
(ii) to develop skills needed for--
(I) delivering quality rail
service; and
(II) supporting employee career
advancement;
(C) developing programs for the training of
frontline workforce, instructors, mentors, and labor-
management partnership representatives, in the form of
classroom, hands-on, on-the-job, and internet web-based
training, to be delivered--
(i) at a national center;
(ii) regionally; or
(iii) at an individual rail carrier;
(D) developing training programs for skills
relating to existing and emerging rail technologies,
such as zero-emission locomotives and trains and zero-
emission locomotive infrastructure;
(E) developing improved capacity for safety,
security, and emergency preparedness in rail systems
and the industry as a whole through--
(i) developing the role of the rail
workforce in establishing and sustaining safety
culture and safety systems in rail; and
(ii) training to address rail workforce
roles in promoting health and safety for rail
workers, communities adjacent to railroad
infrastructure and railyards; and
(F) developing rail carrier capacity for career
pathway partnerships with schools and other community
organizations for recruiting and training
underrepresented populations as successful rail
employees who can develop careers in the rail industry.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Administrator $500,000,000 for the 5-
year period beginning on October 1, 2025, to carry out the Rail
Workforce Training Program authorized under this subsection.
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