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Transportation Me­ga­proj­ects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021

3/9/2023, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2204

Bill 117 HR 2204, also known as the Transportation Mega­projects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021, aims to improve accountability and oversight for large transportation projects in the United States. The bill focuses on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively in the planning and execution of these projects.

One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank, which would provide funding for transportation mega­projects and require rigorous cost-benefit analysis before funding is approved. This is intended to prevent wasteful spending and ensure that projects are prioritized based on their potential impact and benefits to the public.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for increased transparency and public input in the decision-making process for transportation projects. It requires regular reporting on project progress and costs, as well as opportunities for public comment and feedback throughout the planning and construction phases. Overall, the Transportation Mega­projects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021 seeks to address concerns about the lack of accountability and oversight in large transportation projects, and to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly to improve the nation's infrastructure.

Congressional Summary of HR 2204

Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021

This bill sets forth additional requirements for a recipient of assistance under National Highway System provisions for a megaproject. (A megaproject is a project that has an estimated total cost of  $2.5 billion or more.)

Specifically, the bill requires a recipient to 

  • submit to the Department of Transportation (DOT) a comprehensive risk management plan that contains, among other things, a description of the process for identifying, quantifying, and monitoring the risks that might result in cost overruns, delays, reduced construction quality, or reduced benefits;
  • establish a peer review group for such megaproject that consists of at least five individuals to give expert advice on the scientific, technical, and project management aspects of the megaproject; and
  • publish specific information online, including the name, license number, and license type of each engineer supervising an aspect of the megaproject.

DOT must make arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies under which the board must convene a transportation megaprojects committee.

Current Status of Bill HR 2204

Bill HR 2204 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 26, 2021. Bill HR 2204 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 26, 2021.  Bill HR 2204's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. as of March 29, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2204

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2204

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies
- Congressional oversight
- Government information and archives
- Roads and highways
- Transportation programs funding

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2204

Transportation Me­ga­proj­ects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021
To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish additional requirements for certain transportation projects with estimated costs of $2,500,000,000 or more, and for other purposes.
Transportation Me­ga­proj­ects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2021

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