Build Local, Hire Local Act

Build Local, Hire Local Act

This bill imposes various requirements on certain federally assisted infrastructure projects. The bill also creates infrastructure-related grant programs and establishes the Buy America Bureau.

Such federally assisted infrastructure projects must (1) employ a certain percentage of local workers to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) prioritize hiring certain individuals, such as veterans and those facing barriers to employment. A certain percentage of funds for these projects must be used for contracts with small businesses that have fewer than 10 employees.

When applying for a contract, grant, or loan related to a project, the applying entity must disclose whether there are any rulings, such as a civil judgment, finding that the entity has violated certain federal labor and occupational safety laws in the last three years.

In addition, the Department of Transportation must award grants to entities in disadvantaged and underserved communities for infrastructure projects that create connected, economically prosperous, and environmentally healthy communities. Further, the Department of Labor must provide grants to workforce development boards and industry partnerships for job training programs to train certain groups, such as individuals with barriers to employment, for jobs in targeted infrastructure industries.

The bill also establishes the Buy America Bureau within the Department of Commerce to oversee project compliance with existing laws that require the use of U.S.-made materials in certain federally funded projects.

Bill 117 HR 3473, also known as the Build Local, Hire Local Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote the hiring of local workers for federally funded infrastructure projects.

The bill requires that any project receiving federal funding must make a good faith effort to hire workers who reside within a certain radius of the project site. This is intended to support local economies and ensure that the benefits of federal infrastructure investments are felt by the communities where the projects are taking place.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to encourage the use of local businesses for materials and supplies needed for the projects. This is aimed at further boosting the local economy and creating a ripple effect of economic growth in the area. Supporters of the Build Local, Hire Local Act argue that it will help to create jobs and stimulate economic development in communities across the country. They believe that by prioritizing local workers and businesses, the bill will lead to more equitable distribution of the benefits of federal infrastructure spending. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about potential inefficiencies and increased costs associated with hiring local workers and sourcing materials locally. They argue that these requirements could limit competition and drive up project costs, ultimately leading to delays and budget overruns. Overall, the Build Local, Hire Local Act is a contentious piece of legislation that seeks to address the issue of local economic development in the context of federal infrastructure projects. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the bill.