Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced the Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient (REPAIR) Infrastructure Program Act. Primarily, the bill would reauthorize, rename, and expand the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Reconnecting Communities Program as the REPAIR Infrastructure Program.
The REPAIR Act is expected to build on the groundwork laid by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bridging communities separated by transportation and infrastructure barriers and creating new space for economic development.
The core objective of this bill is to reduce physical barriers and reconnect neighborhoods to essential services, like grocery stores and medical centers. It also explicitly prioritizes projects that create new space for housing and local businesses.
The bill reallocates $15 billion over five years from the Highway Trust Fund to support its own initiatives. The bill also directs the DOT to grade infrastructure applications based on how well they integrate and support rural main streets.
Regarding states, the bill allows them to use their federal funding for the process of reconnecting infrastructure. It, however, limits financing to projects that do not add new lane miles or liabilities to the highway system. That would interfere with safety precautions taken for cyclists and pedestrians.
All of this is meant to ensure that more neighborhoods are vibrant and safe, contributing to healthier lives and creating more opportunities for American families.
Sen. Warnock has long supported reconnecting communities divided by legacy infrastructure projects, and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was based on legislation he sponsored.
Commenting on the necessity of this bill, he stated that it aims to bridge the gap between physical and economic mobility. He added that they are absolutely linked and expressed pride in being able to sponsor this legislation.
“Ensuring Georgians aren’t cut off from accessing jobs and economic opportunity also helps restore the cultural fabric of communities divided by legacy infrastructure,” Warnock commented. “I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this important legislation and look forward to better-connected communities across our state.”
