MORE DOT Grants Act

1/21/2024, 8:00 PM
Congress
118

Number
HR - 3594

Introduced on
2023-05-22

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/22/2023

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act or the MORE DOT Grants Act

This bill revises the process for awarding grants to high-density public land counties and any units of tribal or local governments within such counties under certain Department of Transportation (DOT) programs. Examples of qualifying grant programs include the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). A high-density public land county is a county that has a population of not more than 100,000 people and in which the federal government owns or manages more than 50% of the land.

For these jurisdictions, any requirement for local matching funds under a qualifying grant program must be reduced by 50%.

On request, DOT must provide additional technical assistance to such jurisdictions before and during the annual application period for each qualifying grant program.

DOT must also prioritize grant applications from such jurisdictions that have not received support under the qualifying grant program during the 10-year period preceding the date of the application.

In approving applications for a qualifying grant program, DOT must give special consideration to an application from a high-density public land county or unit of local government within such a county with respect to any rural-set aside designated for the program. DOT may give special consideration to an application from a tribal government within such a county.

The MORE DOT Grants Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3594, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. This bill aims to provide additional funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the form of grants. The grants would be used to support various transportation projects across the country, such as improving roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.

The bill proposes to allocate $5 billion in additional funding for DOT grants, which would be distributed to states and local governments based on their transportation needs. The goal of this funding is to help improve the overall infrastructure of the United States and make transportation systems more efficient and reliable.

Supporters of the MORE DOT Grants Act argue that investing in transportation infrastructure is crucial for economic growth and job creation. They believe that by providing funding for transportation projects, the government can stimulate the economy and create new opportunities for businesses and workers. Opponents of the bill may argue that the $5 billion in additional funding is unnecessary and could lead to wasteful spending. They may also raise concerns about the potential impact of the grants on the federal budget deficit. Overall, the MORE DOT Grants Act is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to provide additional funding for transportation projects across the country. Supporters believe that this funding is necessary to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, while opponents may have concerns about the cost and potential impact on the federal budget.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Transportation to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Aviation and airports•
Infrastructure development•
Intergovernmental relations•
Land use and conservation•
Public transit•
Railroads•
Roads and highways•
Rural conditions and development•
State and local finance•
Transportation programs funding•
Transportation safety and security

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/16/2024

More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act or the MORE DOT Grants Act

This bill revises the process for awarding grants to high-density public land counties and any units of tribal or local governments within...


Latest Action5/23/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.