Sponsor
Jared Huffman
Representative · D-CA
Representative · D-CA
The bill reallocates a minimum share of transportation funds to expand safe, ADA‑compliant active‑transport infrastructure and rail‑trail conversions—benefiting walkers, cyclists, and vulnerable populations—while reducing funding available for some larger highway/transit projects and imposing capacity challenges on small jurisdictions.
People who walk, bike, use wheelchairs, and other nonmotorized travelers gain safer, more ADA‑compliant sidewalks, bike lanes, crossings, and connected active‑transport routes because at least 5% of funds are dedicated to those improvements.
Communities—both urban and rural—receive increased funding to convert abandoned rail corridors into multiuse trails, creating recreational spaces and commuter routes that expand non‑driving travel options and outdoor access.
Children and older adults have improved, safer routes to schools, parks, and public services, enabling more trips without relying on cars and improving independent access to essential destinations.
Shifting a guaranteed minimum of 5% to active‑transport projects reduces the pool of funds available for other highway and transit projects, meaning some planned projects may receive less funding or be cut.
Redirecting funds to meet the set‑aside increases the risk that timelines for large road or bridge projects will be lengthened if states must reallocate budgets or delay work to cover the new requirement.
Smaller and rural jurisdictions may struggle with matching funds, staffing, and administrative requirements to design and deliver active‑transport projects, limiting their ability to access the new funding effectively.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT to reserve and combine at least 5% of annual funds from two federal surface transportation programs for active transportation projects (trails, ADA work, safe non‑driver routes, rail‑to‑trail conversions).
Official title: To amend title 23, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Transportation to set aside not less than 5 percent of certain funds for certain active transportation projects and activities from the Federal lands transportation program and Federal lands access program, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 27, 2026 by Jared Huffman · Last progress April 27, 2026
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to reserve and combine at least 5% of annual funds authorized under two federal surface transportation programs to pay for "active transportation" projects on public lands. "Active transportation" is defined to include building and planning on- and off-road trails, pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure and ADA-compliant improvements, safe routes for non-drivers (including children, older adults, and people with disabilities), and converting abandoned railroad corridors into nonmotorized trails.