Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act This bill modifies the definition of rural area that is used for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program and adds provisions for small communities.As background, the grant program supports projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. Eligible applicants for the grant program include states, regional transportation planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments.For purposes of the program, the bill defines rural area as an area outside an urbanized area that has a population of 30,000 or less. Current law requires a rural area to be outside of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000.The bill includes provisions for small communities (i.e., an area outside an urbanized area and that has a population of 5,000 or less). The bill sets the maximum federal cost-share at 90% for project grants carried out in a small community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must use at least 5% of the program's annual funds to provide grants for projects in small communities. The bill also removes the prohibition against DOT using more than 10% of program funds for grants that are under $25 million.Further, program grants may be used for highway, road, bridge, or tunnel projects that would benefit the economic development or quality of life for citizens of the local community.The bill also specifies that the program's goals include the generation of economic growth and development in rural areas.
The proposed amendments under HB 502 are expected to generate economic development within rural areas, improving the quality of life for residents. By expanding the eligibility for the grant program to include smaller communities, the bill intends to facilitate better access to necessary funding for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and tunnels, which are crucial for economic activities and connectivity in these regions.
House Bill 502, titled the 'Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act,' aims to enhance accessibility to the rural surface transportation grant program specifically for areas classified as rural. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes under title 23 of the United States Code to redefine criteria regarding community size, categorizing areas with populations of 30,000 or less as eligible for this federal grant program. This change is anticipated to benefit smaller communities and improve their infrastructure capabilities significantly.
While proponents argue that this bill is essential for addressing the unique transportation needs of rural areas and enhancing infrastructure investment, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of federal funds and the effectiveness of such programs. Critics may question whether these changes will translate into meaningful improvements on the ground, especially in managing project execution and ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to generate real economic benefits for rural communities.
Transportation and Public Works