Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

This bill authorizes appropriations through FY2026 to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide parking for commercial motor vehicles on the federal-aid highway system.

DOT must provide competitive grants to states, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments for projects that improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle operators and provide parking for commercial motor vehicles on federal-aid highways or on a facility with reasonable access to such a highway or a freight facility.

The federal share for a project carried out in accordance with the bill shall be up to 100%.

Bill 117 HR 2187, also known as the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, aims to address the issue of inadequate truck parking facilities for commercial truck drivers. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2021, by Representative Mike Bost from Illinois.

The main purpose of this bill is to improve safety for truck drivers by increasing the availability of safe and secure parking facilities for commercial trucks. It recognizes that a lack of adequate parking options can lead to drivers being forced to park in unsafe locations, such as on the side of the road or in unauthorized areas, which can pose serious risks to both the drivers and other road users.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act proposes several measures to address this issue. It calls for the establishment of a competitive grant program to fund the construction, expansion, and improvement of truck parking facilities across the country. These grants would be awarded to states, local governments, and other eligible entities to support projects that increase the availability of safe and secure parking for commercial trucks. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of truck parking needs and develop a national plan to address these needs. This plan would include strategies for improving the availability of truck parking, enhancing the safety and security of existing facilities, and addressing any other challenges related to truck parking. Overall, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act seeks to improve the working conditions and safety of commercial truck drivers by ensuring they have access to adequate parking facilities. By addressing this critical issue, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of the trucking industry as a whole.