FRA Releases Locomotive Emissions Comparison Tool
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
FRA
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a User Guide and an Emissions Data Documentation File to help railroads use its Locomotive Emissions Comparison Tool (LECT).
User Guide and Emissions Data Documentation File are downloadable below. The LECT is an Excel file available at this link.
The LECT “is meant to provide a standardized approach to help users estimate emission reductions gained through the implementation of FRA-funded projects,” ASLRRA (American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association) noted. “According to the FRA, this includes estimations for locomotive replacement projects being considered for the CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) program and other discretionary grant funding.”
LECT “is particularly useful for railroads looking to win CRISI grant funding for locomotive projects,” ASLRRA Assistant Vice President Policy and Industry Affairs Richard Sherman said. “The tool is designed to simplify the BCA (benefit-cost analysis) portion of the grant application process, so that railroads do not have to create a custom spreadsheet to calculate differences in fuel consumption and emissions.”
The FRA shortly is expected to release the NOFO (Notice Of Funding Opportunity) for the CRISI grant program. “ASLRRA members looking to compete for the anticipated $2.4 billion to be made available in the upcoming round of CRISI funding should begin preparing applications materials if they have not done so already,” the organization stressed. “ASLRRA’s CRISI Grant Application Information webpage includes helpful information for members looking to prepare for the NOFO release.”
