Grant Orientation for Zero Emission Rail Operation (GO ZERO) Program and the California Rail Modernization Program
About
GO ZERO and the California Rail Modernization Program aim to raise awareness of funding opportunities for cleaner locomotive technologies as well as to assist California's small locomotive operators with grant applications. The programs focus on Federal funding such as the Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Program, and State funding such as the State Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (VW) Program to replace existing locomotives with zero emission and Tier 4 equipment at low to no cost to the operators.
Program Status
2025
On March 25, 2025, CARB hosted an online webinar to provide information on the program and the 2025 application process. During the webinar, staff went over the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI) and discussed the different California funding programs available to operators. The presentation also included several zero-emission rail equipment options from various manufacturers. Access the webinar slides.
If you have any questions, please send them to locomotives@arb.ca.gov
2024
On May 31, 2024, CARB submitted a joint application for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The California Rail Modernization Project application requests federal funding to replace older diesel locomotives with cleaner Tier 4 locomotives. Replacing diesel locomotives with Tier 4 locomotives will result in a reduction of emissions while providing significant benefits to surrounding communities.
On October 29, 2024, the FRA announced the FY2023-2024 CRISI recipients which includes CARB's joint application. The joint application was submitted in collaboration with Pacific Harbor Line, Watco, and Sacramento Valley Railroad. The joint application was awarded up to $36.5 million to replace older diesel locomotives with cleaner locomotives.