Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act
In Committee
Introduced:Jan 16, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Doris O. Matsui
Representative
Democratic
CA-7
Cosponsors
8
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Summary
This bill modifies the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to include areas with populations of 30,000 or less, down from 200,000. Small communities under 5,000 get 90 percent federal cost-share and at least 5 percent of annual program funds.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill modifies the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to include areas with populations of 30,000 or less, down from 200,000. Small communities under 5,000 get 90 percent federal cost-share and at least 5 percent of annual program funds.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act </strong></p><p>This bill modifies the definition of rural area that is used for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program and adds provisions for small communities.</p><p>As background, the grant program supports projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. Eligible applicants for the grant program include states, regional transportation planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments.</p><p>For purposes of the program, the bill defines <em>rural area </em>as an area outside an urbanized area that has a population of 30,000 or less. Current law requires a rural area to be outside of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000.</p><p>The bill includes provisions for small communities (i.e., an area outside an urbanized area and that has a population of 5,000 or less). The bill sets the maximum federal cost-share at 90% for project grants carried out in a small community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must use at least 5% of the program's annual funds to provide grants for projects in small communities. The bill also removes the prohibition against DOT using more than 10% of program funds for grants that are under $25 million.</p><p>Further, program grants may be used for highway, road, bridge, or tunnel projects that would benefit the economic development or quality of life for citizens of the local community.</p><p>The bill also specifies that the program's goals include the generation of economic growth and development in rural areas. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Expands rural area definition for grants
Increases federal share to 90 percent for small towns
Reserves 5 percent of funds for small communities
Supports economic development goals
Removes minimum grant size restrictions
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Small rural communities would have better access to transportation infrastructure funding. Towns with fewer than 5,000 people would receive preferential cost-sharing. Rural roads, bridges, and tunnels could see significant improvements.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
502, 119th Congress (2025). "Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-502
