Sponsor
Jared Huffman
Representative · D-CA
Representative · D-CA
The bill guarantees a dedicated funding stream to expand safe, accessible active-transportation infrastructure (benefiting pedestrians, bicyclists, seniors, children, and disabled people) but does so by shifting at least 5% of funds away from other highway/transit projects, potentially delaying larger projects and placing administrative or matching burdens on smaller jurisdictions.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities, children, and seniors gain increased access to safe sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and ADA-compliant crossings through a required minimum 5% funding stream.
Urban and rural communities receive more funding to convert abandoned rail corridors into multiuse trails that expand recreational and commuter route options.
Children and older adults gain safer routes to schools, parks, and public services, enabling more trips without needing to drive.
State and local governments and taxpayers face reduced funding for other highway or transit projects because at least 5% of funds are reallocated to active-transportation projects.
Planned large road or bridge projects and drivers may see longer timelines if states must reallocate budgets to cover the 5% set-aside.
Rural communities and smaller local governments may struggle to meet matching and administrative requirements for new active-transportation projects, limiting their ability to access the benefits.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT to set aside and combine at least 5% of annual funds under 23 U.S.C. §§ 203 and 204 for active transportation projects (trails, ADA improvements, safe nondriver 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 at least 5% of annual funds authorized for certain highway and trails programs to support "active transportation" projects. "Active transportation" is defined to include building and planning pedestrian and bicycle trails and safety infrastructure, ADA compliance projects, safe-route infrastructure for non-drivers (children, older adults, people with disabilities), and conversion of abandoned rail corridors to nonmotorized trails. The change directs a dedicated set-aside from existing program funds (23 U.S.C. §§ 203 and 204) to expand trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, accessible routes, and rail‑to‑trail conversions that improve nonmotorized access to public lands and destinations.