Bill Summary
The "Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act" amends Title 23 of the United States Code to enhance the flexibility of federal emergency relief projects related to highways. Key provisions include:
1. **Deadline for Project Advancement**: The Secretary of Transportation is prohibited from requiring projects funded under this section to progress to the construction obligation stage before the last day of the sixth fiscal year following the emergency declaration by either the state Governor or the President.
2. **Extension of Deadlines**: The Secretary can grant up to one additional year for advancement to the construction obligation stage if requested by a state's Governor. Further extensions may be granted if the Governor provides suitable justification.
3. **Emergency Relief Manual Updates**: The Federal Highway Administration is mandated to update its Emergency Relief Manual every two years and ensure that it is distributed to state transportation departments and made publicly accessible online.
Overall, the legislation aims to provide states with more time and flexibility in managing emergency relief projects, thereby improving the response to transportation infrastructure needs after disasters.
Possible Impacts
The "Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act" as described in the provided legislation could affect people in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Time for Recovery and Planning**: The legislation allows for project funding under emergency relief to be extended up to six years after an emergency declaration. This flexibility means that communities affected by disasters (like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes) can take the necessary time to plan and execute recovery projects without the pressure of immediate deadlines. For residents, this could lead to more thorough and well-planned infrastructure repairs, ultimately resulting in safer and more resilient transportation systems.
2. **State-Level Empowerment**: The Act gives governors the ability to request extensions for project advancement deadlines. This empowerment allows state officials to assess the specific needs of their communities and justify extensions based on local conditions. For citizens in affected states, this means that their leaders can advocate for more time and resources tailored to their unique situations, which can lead to better recovery outcomes and potentially reduce the burden on local populations during the rebuilding phase.
3. **Access to Updated Guidance and Resources**: The requirement for the Secretary of Transportation to update the Emergency Relief Manual every two years ensures that states have access to the latest guidelines and best practices for managing emergency relief projects. For communities, this means that local transportation departments can implement more effective recovery strategies, utilize federal resources efficiently, and engage in informed decision-making. Enhanced communication and access to updated manuals will ultimately benefit the general public by improving transparency and the quality of infrastructure projects.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2635 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2635
To amend title 23, United States Code, to increase flexibility for
emergency relief projects, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 31, 2025
Mr. Padilla (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 23, United States Code, to increase flexibility for
emergency relief projects, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transportation Emergency Relief
Extension Act''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY EMERGENCY RELIEF.
Section 125 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(h) Imposition of Deadline.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary may not require any project funded under
this section to advance to the construction obligation stage
before the date that is the last day of the sixth fiscal year
after the later of--
``(A) the date on which the Governor declared the
emergency, as described in subsection (d)(1)(A); and
``(B) the date on which the President declared the
emergency to be a major disaster, as described in that
subsection.
``(2) Extension of deadline.--If the Secretary imposes a
deadline for advancement to the construction obligation stage
pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary may--
``(A) on the request of the Governor of the State,
issue an extension of not more than 1 year to complete
the advancement; and
``(B) issue additional extensions after the
expiration of any extension, if the Secretary
determines the Governor of the State has provided
suitable justification to warrant such an extension.
``(i) Emergency Relief Manuals.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this subsection and every 2 years thereafter, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) update the Emergency Relief Manual of the Federal
Highway Administration;
``(2) provide the updated Manual to each State department
of transportation; and
``(3) make the updated Manual publicly available on a
website of the Secretary.''.
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