Summary of Bill HR 6994
The ROUTES Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 6994, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to improve transportation infrastructure in rural areas. The bill focuses on enhancing the safety and efficiency of rural roads and highways by providing funding for projects such as road repairs, bridge maintenance, and traffic management systems.
One key aspect of the ROUTES Act is its emphasis on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities when it comes to transportation. These challenges include limited access to public transportation, longer travel distances, and a higher rate of traffic accidents. The bill seeks to address these issues by investing in infrastructure improvements that will make rural roads safer and more reliable for residents and businesses.
In addition to funding infrastructure projects, the ROUTES Act also includes provisions for research and data collection to better understand the transportation needs of rural communities. This information will help policymakers make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize projects that will have the greatest impact on improving transportation in rural areas.
Overall, the ROUTES Act is a bipartisan effort to support rural communities by investing in transportation infrastructure that will enhance safety, efficiency, and economic development. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural areas, this legislation aims to improve the quality of life for residents and promote growth and prosperity in these communities.
Congressional Summary of HR 6994
Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety Act or the ROUTES Act
This bill requires the reopening of certain recreation sites closed due to a natural disaster.
In the case of a recreation site that is fully or partially closed due to damage caused by a natural disaster (including certain standing trees that present a visible hazard), the Department of the Interior (with respect to Interior recreational lands) or the Department of Agriculture (with respect to National Forest System lands) must reopen the site not later than two years after the date on which the disaster ends.
The bill categorically excludes specified activities from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement where the primary purpose of the activity is, consistent with the applicable management plan, to
- repair and restore recreation sites damaged by a natural disaster,
- remove hazard trees for the purpose of public safety or improving access,
- mitigate and reduce soil erosion impacting a recreation site,
- restore drainage patterns to support a recreation site, or
- any combination of these purposes.
The bill provides for emergency hazard tree removal.
Interior or Agriculture must report to Congress and make the report publicly available.