; and intermodal projects that are located in or to directly benefit areas of persistent poverty: Provided further, That the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct outreach to eligible entities for planning grants under this heading through personal contact, webinars, web materials, or other appropriate methods determined by the Secretary, to ensure such eligible entities are aware of the availability of planning grants under this heading and are able to apply for such grants: Provided further, That the Federal share of the costs for planning grants under this heading shall be, at the option of the eligible entity, not less than 90 percent of the net total project cost: Provided further, That the Secretary shall not use the requested amount of the Federal share or an eligible entities’ ability to generate non-Federal revenue as a selection criteria in awarding planning grants under this heading: Provided further, That a planning grant funded under this heading shall be not less than $100,000 and not greater than $500,000: Provided further, That for planning grants under this heading priority consideration shall be, without regard to rural or urban areas of persistent poverty, based on project justification and demonstrated need: Provided further, That for planning grants under this heading the Secretary shall consider factors such as improving safety and state of good repair, reducing congestion and vehicle emissions, and increasing connectivity and quality of life when considering demonstrated need: Provided further, That the Secretary may withhold up to 1 percent of the amounts made available for planning grants under this heading for the costs of award and grant administration. Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing program For the cost of modifications, as defined by section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, of direct loans issued pursuant to sections 501 through 504 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 ( Public Law 94–210 ), and included in cohort 3, as