Resilient Highways Act of 2021

3/9/2023, 5:47 PM

Resilient Highways Act of 2021

This bill addresses projects to improve the resiliency of federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels on and off the National Highway System.

Specifically, the bill

  • allows states to use up to 15% of funds apportioned under the national highway performance program for projects to mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repairs from extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters on infrastructure that is part of the National Highway System;
  • provides for a maximum federal cost-share of up to 100% for these projects; and
  • authorizes emergency relief funds to be used to pay for these projects, including raising roadway grades, deepening channels to prevent flooding, improving drainage, and stabilizing slopes.
Bill 117 HR 3777, also known as the Resilient Highways Act of 2021, aims to improve the resilience of highways in the United States. The bill focuses on enhancing the durability and ability of highways to withstand natural disasters and other extreme events.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for research and development of innovative materials and technologies that can improve the resilience of highways. This includes exploring new construction techniques, materials, and designs that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.

The bill also calls for the establishment of a grant program to support state and local governments in implementing resilient highway projects. This funding would help communities across the country strengthen their transportation infrastructure and better prepare for future disasters. Additionally, the Resilient Highways Act of 2021 emphasizes the importance of incorporating resilience into the planning and design of new highway projects. By considering the potential impacts of climate change and other hazards from the outset, the bill aims to ensure that highways are built to last and can continue to serve communities effectively in the face of evolving challenges. Overall, the Resilient Highways Act of 2021 seeks to promote the development of more resilient transportation infrastructure in the United States, helping to protect public safety, reduce economic disruptions, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the nation's highways.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 3777

Introduced on
2021-06-08

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/8/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Resilient Highways Act of 2021

This bill addresses projects to improve the resiliency of federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels on and off the National Highway System.

Specifically, the bill

  • allows states to use up to 15% of funds apportioned under the national highway performance program for projects to mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repairs from extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters on infrastructure that is part of the National Highway System;
  • provides for a maximum federal cost-share of up to 100% for these projects; and
  • authorizes emergency relief funds to be used to pay for these projects, including raising roadway grades, deepening channels to prevent flooding, improving drainage, and stabilizing slopes.
Bill 117 HR 3777, also known as the Resilient Highways Act of 2021, aims to improve the resilience of highways in the United States. The bill focuses on enhancing the durability and ability of highways to withstand natural disasters and other extreme events.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for research and development of innovative materials and technologies that can improve the resilience of highways. This includes exploring new construction techniques, materials, and designs that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.

The bill also calls for the establishment of a grant program to support state and local governments in implementing resilient highway projects. This funding would help communities across the country strengthen their transportation infrastructure and better prepare for future disasters. Additionally, the Resilient Highways Act of 2021 emphasizes the importance of incorporating resilience into the planning and design of new highway projects. By considering the potential impacts of climate change and other hazards from the outset, the bill aims to ensure that highways are built to last and can continue to serve communities effectively in the face of evolving challenges. Overall, the Resilient Highways Act of 2021 seeks to promote the development of more resilient transportation infrastructure in the United States, helping to protect public safety, reduce economic disruptions, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the nation's highways.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 23, United States Code, to ensure that Federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels are more resilient, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Atmospheric science and weather
Floods and storm protection
Natural disasters
Roads and highways
Solid waste and recycling
Transportation programs funding

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/13/2022

Resilient Highways Act of 2021

This bill addresses projects to improve the resiliency of federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels on and off the National Highway System.

Specifically, the bill

  • ...

Latest Action6/9/2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.