Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act
The Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act would give more time and flexibility for emergency-relief highway projects funded under the Federal-Aid Highway program. Specifically, it adds a deadline rule saying that states cannot be forced to move emergency-relief projects to the construction-obligation stage before the end of the sixth fiscal year after the later of the governor’s emergency declaration or the president’s major-disaster declaration. It also allows for one-year extensions at the governor’s request and additional extensions if justification is shown. In addition, the bill requires the Federal Highway Administration to update and publicly share its Emergency Relief Manual every two years. Overall, the bill aims to reduce pressure on states to advance construction quickly after disasters and to improve ongoing guidance for emergency-relief procedures.
Key Points
- 1Extends deadline for construction obligations: Projects funded under Section 125 may not be required to move to construction obligation before the last day of the sixth fiscal year after the later of the governor’s emergency declaration or the president’s major-disaster declaration.
- 2Extensions available: The Secretary of Transportation may grant up to a one-year extension on request of the state governor, and may grant additional extensions if the governor provides suitable justification.
- 3Notwithstanding other law: The new deadline provisions override other legal requirements to ensure the extended timeframe is applicable.
- 4Scope of relief: Applies specifically to emergency-relief projects funded under Section 125 of title 23, United States Code.
- 5Emergency Relief Manual updates: The Secretary must update the Emergency Relief Manual within two years of enactment and every two years thereafter, provide updates to state DOTs, and publish the updated manual publicly online.