FY18 Penn-Moynihan Station Complex Train-Shed Hardening Project | FR SND 18 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for FR SND 18 001

The FY18 Penn-Moynihan Station Complex Train-Shed Hardening Project was a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) discretionary funding opportunity intended to fund a major resilience and state-of-good-repair project at one of the nation s most critical passenger rail hubs in Manhattan. The focus of the project was to reduce the risk of flood related failures by protecting critical life safety systems and essential electrical equipment within the broader Penn-Moynihan rail complex. In practical terms, the grant was aimed at preventing catastrophic damage during heavy rain events and also limiting the cumulative long term deterioration caused by smaller but more frequent storms, which can still infiltrate infrastructure and degrade equipment over time.

The project area described in the opportunity covered a wide footprint of interconnected rail assets. It included the Northeast Corridor segment between the Hudson River Tunnel portals and the East River Tunnel portals in Manhattan, existing Penn Station New York (PSNY) and its associated tunnels, nearby storage yards and support facilities, and the planned future Moynihan Station to be located in the Farley Building. By defining the complex this way, the opportunity made clear that the improvements were meant to protect not just one building, but a tightly linked network of tracks, tunnels, and support infrastructure that collectively enable intercity and commuter rail operations through New York City.

The core scope of work centered on hardening the train shed and adjacent structural elements against water intrusion. Key activities included reconstructing the entire north and south moats, installing a waterproofing membrane, and upgrading the drainage system to better manage stormwater and reduce pooling or seepage. The project also included rehabilitating deteriorated steel and reinforcing and waterproofing the existing concrete moat slab and sidewalk. Together, these measures were designed to create a more reliable barrier against water entry, address existing structural deterioration, and extend the service life of the facility by preventing recurring moisture damage that can compromise both structural components and mission critical equipment.

From a program standpoint, the opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the federal government expected an active role in project oversight or coordination rather than a simple pass through grant. It was listed under CFDA 20.314 and categorized under transportation. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $40,200,000, and the FRA anticipated making a single award, which signals that this was structured as a one project, one recipient investment rather than a broad multi recipient competition.

In terms of timing and administration, the opportunity was created on November 20, 2017, with an original closing date of November 30, 2017, indicating a short application window. Eligibility was listed as Others with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, which typically means the primary applicant was expected to be a specific type of entity tied to ownership, control, or delivery responsibility for the Penn Station and Moynihan related assets, such as a public authority, rail operator, or another qualified organization identified in the full eligibility language.

Overall, the grant opportunity was essentially a targeted federal investment to make the Penn-Moynihan complex more resilient and reliable by addressing known vulnerability points where stormwater can damage life safety systems, electrical equipment, and structural elements. The emphasis on protecting both existing assets and planned infrastructure investments highlights that the project was designed not only as a repair effort, but also as a protective measure to safeguard major ongoing and future capital improvements at this nationally significant rail gateway.

• The Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY18 Penn-Moynihan Station Complex Train-Shed Hardening Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.314.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 20, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 30, 2017 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $40,200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for FR SND 18 001

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