49 U.S.C. § 22701 — Definitions

(1) Private benefit.
(A) A "private benefit" is a benefit that goes to a person or private entity — other than Amtrak — that directly improves that person's or entity's economic or competitive position. This can happen through better assets, lower costs, better service, or other means the Secretary defines. Whether something counts as a private benefit is decided project by project, based on an agreement between the parties involved.
(B) The Secretary may ask States and rail carriers for advice on defining this term further.

(2) Public benefit.
(A) A "public benefit" is a benefit that goes to the public, including Amtrak. This includes things like better mobility for people or goods, protecting or improving the environment, easing traffic congestion, boosting trade and economic development, improving air quality or land use, more efficient energy use, better public safety or security, and spending less public money because transportation is more efficient or infrastructure lasts longer. It also includes any other positive community effect the Secretary defines. Like private benefit, this is decided project by project, by agreement between the parties.
(B) Again, the Secretary may ask States and rail carriers for help defining this term.

(3) State. "State" means any of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

(4) State rail transportation authority. This is the State agency or official who is responsible — under the Governor's direction or State law — for preparing, maintaining, coordinating, and running the State's rail plan.