The BASICS Act creates two new federal funding programs to improve transportation infrastructure in underserved areas. First, it establishes a Strengthening Bridges Formula Program that provides $5.5 billion annually from 2027 through 2031 to states for bridge construction, replacement, and repairs, with at least 25 percent of funds directed to urbanized and rural areas based on population and special provisions offering full federal funding for locally-owned and tribal bridges. Second, the bill creates a rural transportation planning program that provides at least $300,000 annually through 2031 to regional planning organizations in nonmetropolitan areas, with the federal government covering 100 percent of eligible costs and offering technical assistance to help rural communities develop planning capacity and seek federal designation. Together, these programs aim to address long-standing infrastructure gaps in rural and underserved communities while strengthening planning and coordination for future transportation projects.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.