WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the Reinvesting in Essential Partnerships And Infrastructure for Rural America (REPAIR) Act in the House of Representatives.
The goal of this bill is to increase the amount of funding allocated for rural transportation projects, reduce regulatory hurdles that face rural communities, provide greater flexibility, and ensure rural regions benefit from new transportation technology innovation.
“America’s small towns are the backbone of this country and are in need of a substantial transportation infrastructure overhaul,” said Congresswoman Miller. ” I’m introducing the REPAIR Act to ensure that all Americans living in rural communities have better access to hospitals, schools, jobs, and other communities. This important legislation will help revitalize rural economies, strengthen our roadways, and connect our small towns.”
Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA), Randy Webber (R-TX), Rick Crawford (R-AR), and Greg Pence (R-IN) joined Congresswoman Miller as original co-sponsors in introducing the REPAIR Act.
Background:
As Congress prepares to negotiate a major Surface Transportation Package in 2021, the REPAIR Act outlines the transportation priorities of House Republicans in rural America. This bill will give more funding opportunities and flexibility to rural states in order to reach their transportation goals.
The REPAIR Act has five key sections:
- Supports increased flexibility for state projects by increasing the federal cost share of small projects. Recognizes that rural communities do not have the same resources as urban cities and establishes a Rural Starts program within the Capital Investment Grants program to assist small projects in non-urban areas.
- Reduces regulatory hurdles for rural communities and provides greater flexibility to reallocate funds to non-urban areas done at the State’s discretion.
- Increases the amount provided from federal transit programs to projects in rural areas.
- Support greater mobility options for citizens in states like West Virginia to get to their jobs, healthcare needs, and more, by increasing funding set asides for rural projects.
- Ensures that rural and smaller communities also benefit from increased innovation and new technologies in infrastructure by guaranteeing a share of program funding for the development of advanced transportation technologies.
