Noise Remediation on Existing Federal Railway Tracks

The funding program for noise remediation on existing federal railway tracks primarily targets federal railway infrastructure companies (EIU), which act as initial recipients for implementing active noise protection measures. Additionally, private owners of structural facilities can receive grants as final recipients for passive noise protection measures. The funding aims to minimize noise pollution for residents nationwide, especially in sensitive areas.

Measures for noise remediation on existing federal railway tracks are funded. This includes both active noise protection measures on railway facilities and passive noise protection measures on residents' structural facilities. In exceptional cases, innovative approaches to noise and vibration reduction are also supported. The selection of measures always considers cost-benefit aspects.

The program provides non-repayable federal grants for the full financing of noise remediation measures. The amount of funding varies depending on the type of measure; for passive measures, up to 75 percent of direct expenses can be granted. Planning and administrative costs are funded at a flat rate of 18 percent of eligible construction costs.

The funding is tied to specific conditions, including the inclusion of the noise remediation measure in the federal noise remediation master plan and the consideration of active versus passive measures based on cost-benefit analyses. Strict legal and administrative regulations apply to the application process and project implementation.

The application for funding is generally submitted by the federal railway infrastructure company (EIU) to the Federal Railway Authority (EBA). For passive noise protection measures, final recipients first apply to the EIU for the onward transfer of funds, which processes the payment after reviewing the measure. The EBA is the central approval authority, which also issues implementing provisions for the guidelines.

This funding program is based on the 'Guidelines for the Promotion of Noise Remediation Measures on Existing Federal Railway Tracks - Revised Version 2022 -'. It is also subject to the General Administrative Regulations on the Federal Budget Code (VV-BHO) as well as the Administrative Procedure Act and other relevant federal laws and ordinances on immission control. The guidelines came into force on July 1, 2022, and are valid until December 31, 2028.