Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act

This bill makes it easier for small towns and rural areas to get federal money for roads, bridges, and similar projects. It narrows “rural” to places outside urban areas with 30,000 people or fewer, and adds a “small community” category for places with 5,000 or fewer. It also says the program should help grow local economies and improve quality of life. Projects can include highways, roads, bridges, and tunnels that benefit the local community .

At least 5% of yearly funds must go to projects in small communities, and the federal government can pay up to 90% of the cost for those projects. The bill also lets more smaller grants go out by lifting a limit that kept more than 10% of funds from going to projects under $25 million .

• Who is affected: Rural towns and small communities; applicants like states, local governments, tribal governments, and regional planning groups.
• What changes: “Rural” becomes 30,000 or fewer people; creates a “small community” at 5,000 or fewer; adds goals to boost local economies and quality of life; expands eligible road, bridge, and tunnel projects .
• Funding rules for small communities: At least 5% of funds set aside; up to 90% federal cost-share .
• Timing: If enacted, these updates would apply to the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program’s future funding and awards.