Summary#
This bill creates a new federal grant program run by the Secretary of Transportation. Grants would pay for surface transportation projects that connect to public airports or are on land within 5 miles of a public airport. Eligible projects include highway and bridge work, public transportation projects, and passenger rail projects that reduce congestion, expand capacity, improve access to under-connected areas, or rehabilitate roads, rail, transit, bridges, tunnels, or rolling stock. Eligible applicants are States (including DC and territories), Indian Tribes, and local governments or public airport agencies.
The bill sets funding rules. At least 50% of annual grant money must go to projects that connect to large hub airports and at least 30% must go to projects that connect to medium hub airports, measured as of the date the bill becomes law. The federal share of project costs is set by section 120 of title 23, U.S. Code. Non-federal matching funds may include certain TIFIA credit assistance and passenger facility charges collected by the applicant. The bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 per year from the Highway Trust Fund (excluding the Mass Transit Account) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
What it means for you#
- If you are a State, tribe, local government, or airport agency, you can apply for grants for projects that connect to or sit within 5 miles of a public airport.
- Projects that improve highways, public transit, or passenger rail near airports are eligible if they reduce congestion, add capacity, improve access, or rehabilitate infrastructure.
- Applicants must follow the Secretary of Transportation's application process and provide the required non-Federal share, which can include approved TIFIA credit and passenger facility charges where allowed.
- Large and medium hub airports are prioritized by required minimum shares of funding.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for each fiscal year 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031.
- At least 50% of each year’s funds must go to projects serving large hub airports and at least 30% to projects serving medium hub airports (as defined in 49 U.S.C. 47102 at time of enactment).
- The Federal share of project costs is determined under 23 U.S.C. section 120. Non-Federal shares may include specified TIFIA credit assistance and passenger facility charges collected by the eligible entity.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.